Lifestyle Risk Factors Associated with Tuberculosis Patients in Asir Region of Saudi Arabia

Tuberculosis remains to be a major public health problem. Lifestyle factors that have indirectly influence to the burden of tuberculosis. The aim of this study is to determine the lifestyle risk factors associated with tuberculosis patients in Asir region of KSA.

We conducted a case‑control study at the military hospital of Asir region of KSA. A total of 135 sample which is divided into 67 cases and 67 controls. Cases were included from hospital database between 2017 and 2018. Control were selected from patient attending the same hospital with respiratory disease other than tuberculosis. Data collection done through interview using a structured questionnaire. Lifestyle factors and socio‑demographic factors associated with tuberculosis were analyzed using logistic regression.

Mean age of study participants (cases and control) are 38.04 ± 9.66 and 40.16 ± 7.72 respectively. Most important factors associated with tuberculosis patients are overweight and obese [OR = 4.40, 95% CI 1.27‑15.25 and 2.38 (1.61‑9.22)], Smoker [OR = 1.34, 95% CI 0.52‑3.43], abnormal sleep at night (<8 hours) [OR = 5.03, 95% CI 1.57‑16.10], blue color job worker [OR = 2.69, 95% CI 1.02‑7.28], physical exercise <3 days/week [OR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.21‑3.47].

In Saudi Arabia, a person’s lifestyle and socioeconomic condition are associated with tuberculosis. Interventions focused on improving the quality of life through a reduction of risky lifestyle which prevent the spread of Tuberculosis in Saudi society and improve the efficiency of Saudi national tuberculosis control programme.