Study of environmental risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis in Peshawar

ABSTRACT

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