Pulmonary Tuberculosis: determinants and risk factors

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to find out the current determinants and risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis. The study comprised 487 pulmonary tuberculosis patients and 632 non tuberculous ones as a conrrol group, All were interviewed to collect data concerning personal information, socioeconomic chairacteristics, special habits, family history of tuberculosis among close contacts, history of BCG vaccination, and history of intercurrent diseases. The study revealed that pulmonary tuberculosis continues to occur at a peak among those aged 25 -< 45 years. the age group 5-15 years is no more exempted. Contrary to what has been known, rural inhabitants, farmers and house -wives are now more experiencing pulmonary tuberculosis. Illiteracy, large family size and family disruption are sccioeconomic factors behind pulmonary tuberculosis. Smoking and addiction are also operating risk factors. Besides the well known risky occupations, coffee shop workers are new comers. Diabetes mellitus, chronic gastrointestinal diseases are still operating risk factors while bronchial asthma is argumental. BCG vaccination is not the sole preventive measure for pulmonary tuberculosis. The study recommended, routine screening of patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic gastro-intestinal diseases and bronchial asthma and campaigns for screening of house-wives, farmers and seasonal manual workers. It recommends also screening of school age children besides strengthening anti-illiteracy and anti-smoking efforts