RESUMEN
To assess the environmental risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis in Peshawar. Study Cross sectional observational study. Medical department, Khyber Teaching Hospital [KTH], Peshawar. From August 2004 to November 2005. A total of 156 patients, 87 males and 69 females, with clinical diagnosis of the disease, confirmed on sputum smear microscopy were selected. Relevant information was recorded with the help of a pre-designed questionnaire, prepared in accordance with the objectives of the study. The age range of the patients was from 8 years to 86 years with an average age of 47.5 years. A total of 102[65.38%] patients had positive family history of the disease. Eighty-four [53.84%] patients were from social class, with income less than 5000/month. Pulmonary tuberculosis was recorded in 142 [91.02%] patients. Eight patients had developed tuberculosis meningitis and six patients had developed TB of bones [Potts disease]. Reactivation of tuberculosis was recorded in 29[21.79%] patients. The main risk factors observed in the respondents were positive family history of the disease, housing conditions, over crowding, joint families, poverty and ignoring DOTS strategy for treatment