Risk factors and treatment outcome of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients: A five-year study in the North of Iran

It is essential to constantly review the risk factors and treatment outcomes of tuberculosis (TB). This study evaluated some important risk factors of TB over five years.

Between 2013 and 2018, all available information and possible risk factors related to TB patients were analyzed from the TB registry program of the health district of Gorgan, Iran.

Among 349 TB patients, 194 (55.59%) were males and 167 (47.85%) had at least a comorbidity. The death rate was higher in the age group more than 65 years (p < 0.001), the low-educated group (P = 0.012), and patients with underlying diseases, especially diabetes (p < 0.001). In total, univariate and multivariate statistical analyzes showed that having comorbidity (OR = 4.34; 95% CI 1.49 – 13.49), as well as, being jobless (OR = 3.07; 95% CI 1.19 – 8.59) were the main factors influencing the adverse events.

According to the study, aging, underlying diseases, and cultural poverty include a higher share of the main risk factors for active TB and/or treatment outcomes. By considering these risk factors and training the medical staff continually, we can reduce the time of TB diagnosis, and prevent it from spreading.