Gender differences among suspected pulmonary tuberculosis patients undergoing sputum smear microscopy attending the department of chest medicine and tuberculosis, Nishtar hospital, Multan

ABSTRACT

To assess the gender differences among pulmonary tuberculosis suspects undergoing diagnostic sputum smear microscopy. This retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Physiology Nishtar Hospital Multan in collaboration with Department of Chest Medicine and Tuberculosis. Data from January 2005 and October 2007 were analyzed. The hospital records of newly diagnosed patients of pulmonary tuberculosis were selected. The patients were classified into various groups according to gender and age. Female/Male ratio of more than one [1.05/1] was found among pulmonary tuberculosis aspects undergoing sputum examination attending the Out Patient Department of Chest Medicine, however, AFB sputum smear positive cases were less among female patients, and female/male ratio was less than one [0.84/1.0]. The overall AFB sputum smear positive cases were significantly higher in male patients. Gender and age are both traditionally known variables in terms of incidence and prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis. The existing gender disparity and pattern of gender specific treatment seeking is one of such indicators, which call for more attention to both males and females, especially productive age group