RESUMO
Introduction: The emergence of Multi-drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR- TB) is a challenge for global control and prevention mainly in developing countries. The objective of the study was to identify inde-pendent risk factors for the occurrence of MDR-TB. Methods: An unmatched Case-control study was conducted among tuberculosis patients registered un-der NTEP in Kanchipuram district. ‘Cases’ were consecutive MDR TB patients aged 15 and older. ‘Con-trols’ were patients aged 15 and older, diagnosed with drug susceptible TB. Data was collected using pretested semi-structured questionnaire with face-to- face interview. Univariate and multi-variate anal-ysis were used to identify associated determinants of MDR-TB. Results: A total of 80 subjects, 20 cases and 60 controls (1:3) were recruited. Mean age of ‘cases’ was 32±9.3 years, and for controls was 31± 8.3 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified five sig-nificant risk factors such as passive smoking [OR = 8.449, 95% CI (6.791–30.27)], overcrowding [OR= 2.062,95% CI (1.004-3.005)], low socio-economic status [OR=8.000,95% CI (2.362-27.099)] and previ-ous TB treatment [OR =13.72 with 95% CI (8.599-35.118)]. Inadequate ventilation [OR=4.643(4.217-13.906)] Conclusion: To reduce the burden of drug-resistance, these risk factors can be used as screening tool in identifying individuals with MDR-TB in resource limited settings.