மருத்துவ தொற்று நோய்கள்: திறந்த அணுகல்

Introduction: Globally, Tuberculosis is one of the most prevalent diseases which is mainly attributed to poverty and economic hardship, usually in developing countries. Knowledge of the current situation in our environment is necessary. The study on tuberculosis in Twapia has been carried out but with scant information on its prevalence. However, most of these studies were done prior to the introduction of the GeneXpert machines which is more accurate and sensitive for TB diagnosis as result studies to be done now with the new technology will yield more accurate results. Therefore, a study on the prevalence of TB in Twapia area of Ndola district is essential in order to fill in the gap knowledge, to understand if the TB cases are rising or reducing in number, to add on to the work done already, raise awareness and emphasis and ensure effectiveness in strategies to reduce the TB prevalence.

Aim: was to determine the prevalence of Tuberculosis (TB) and associated risk factor in Twapia area of Ndola district, particular patient seen by Twapia clinic.

Methodology: In this study a retrospective cross section study design was used, data was collected and sampled by complete enumeration of all TB patients’ files that visited Twapia clinic from January 2018 to December 2020. Out of a total of 49,820 patient’s files enrolled, 481 were diagnosed with TB. Data entry involved tabulations and use of SPSS software for analysis. All information collected was confidentially handled in accordance with the ethics. Ethical approval was obtained from Tropical Disease Research Centre (TDRC) and permission to conduct the study at the health institution was granted by both the Provincial Health Office and District Health Office.

Results: The prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) among Twapia residents was, according to these research findings, found to be increase from 2018 to 2020 as 25.2%, 34.5% and 40.3% respectively. It is densely distributed and more common between the ages of 36 to 45 years old. Of those who were treated for TB, it was found the majority were males representing 62.4% of the total cases. Those who had HIV/TB coinfection were 34.3% of the total cases treated for TB and the majority of cases were diagnosed using the GeneXpert.

Conclusion and recommendations: The prevalence of TB at Twapia clinic was found to be progressively increasing from 2018 at 25% to 40% in 2020, with the increase in prevalence, there is need to implement screening strategies, sensitize and encourage people to always visit hospital care and also to continue strengthening the DOT program. There is need to improve TB prophylaxis administration for those on ART and early diagnosis..