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ABSTRACT Background: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a serious global public health concern associated with social vulnerability. In Brazil, the Unified Health System (SUS, Portuguese) provides free diagnosis and treatment for MDR-TB; however, other expenses may still be incurred for patients and their families which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), can be catastrophic when these costs surpass 20.0% of the annual household income. This study aimed to assess the extent of catastrophic costs related to the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of MDR-TB among patients receiving care at an outpatient clinic in Rio de Janeiro. Methods: This prospective study used convenience sampling from July 2019 to June 2021. Data regarding direct and indirect costs were collected using a standardized questionnaire endorsed by the WHO. To analyze any impoverishment occurred from MDR-TB, a threshold established by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics for 2019 and 2020 of US$ 79,562 and US$ 94,5273, respectively, was applied. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, including mean; standard deviation; variation coefficient; median; and maximum, minimum, and interquartile ranges. Results: A total of 65 patients were interviewed. Among the participants, 73.8% experienced catastrophic costs, with indirect costs exerting the most significant impact (median: US$ 3,825.9), in contrast to direct costs (median: US$ 542.7). When comparing the periods before and after diagnosis, the prevalence of poverty increased from 12.0% to 28.0%. Conclusions: Despite the support from the SUS in Brazil, diagnostic and therapeutic cascades incur additional costs, exacerbating social vulnerability among patients with MDR-TB. Background Multidrugresistant Multidrug resistant MDRTB MDR TB (MDR-TB Brazil SUS, (SUS Portuguese however which WHO, WHO , (WHO) 200 20 0 20.0 income Janeiro Methods 201 2021 MDRTB, TB, 202 US 79562 79 562 79,56 945273 94 5273 94,5273 respectively applied analysis mean deviation coefficient median maximum minimum ranges Results 6 interviewed participants 738 73 8 73.8 (median 3,825.9, 38259 3,825.9 3 825 9 3,825.9) 542.7. 5427 542.7 . 542 7 542.7) 120 12 12.0 280 28 28.0% Conclusions MDRTB. TB. (WHO 2 20. 7956 56 79,5 94527 527 94,527 73. 3825 3,825. 82 542. 54 1 12. 28.0 795 5 79, 9452 52 94,52 382 3,825 28. 945 94,5 38 3,82 94, 3,8 3,