Investigation and analysis of tuberculosis prevention and control in schools in Tianjin / 公共卫生与预防医学

ABSTRACT

Objective To understand the current situation of tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control in schools, and to provide a basis for further improving school TB prevention and control strategies. Methods A survey of 387 schools in Tianjin was conducted. The data was statistically analyzed by chi-square test. Results Most of the schools implemented the TB prevention and control work well, including leadership responsibility, work plan and epidemic report. However, the leadership responsibility (72.34%, 34/47) and the work plan (68.09%, 32/47) in colleges and universities were not well implemented. The proportion of full-time health care personnel in schools with more than 600 students was relatively low, which was 12 497 in primary schools, 11 537 in secondary schools, and 12 673 in colleges and universities. The proportion of morning and afternoon checking (27.66%) and sickness absenteeism tracking (82.98%) was low in colleges and universities. There was a lower proportion of new students carrying out TB test in primary schools and secondary schools (χ2=26.05，P<0.001). The colleges and universities had a low proportion of TB check-up among students in schools and students in high epidemic areas (P<0.001). The screening rate of students who had close contacts with TB patients in primary schools was low (P<0.001). The proportion of preventive treatment in schools at all levels was low (P<0.001). Conclusion Schools at all levels in Tianjin need to utilize additional school health care personnel and increase the proportion of latent infection patients receiving preventive treatment. Primary and secondary schools should further standardize the physical examination of new students and the treatment of epidemic situation. It is necessary for colleges and universities to establish multi-level tuberculosis surveillance networks and carry out active screening.