Current and Past 10-Year Trend of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Intervention Practices in Amba-Giorgis Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia
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Date
2016-09
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Human tuberculosis (TB) which is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the leading global health
challenge. Regular surveys on the burden of this disease at a microenvironment level are vital to
generate up-to-date information to effectively control TB in a locality. Thus, this study was designed
to estimate the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and assess current intervention practices
in Ambagiorgis, northwest Ethiopia. The study (January-May 2016) was a descriptive survey
involving both primary and secondary data sources collected from Ambagiorgis health center (AHC).
Ten-year (January 2006-December 2015) retrospective data containing PTB suspects and smearconfirmed
cases were extracted from the health center registration logbook. For the current crosssectional
data, PTB suspects visiting the health center between January-May 2016 were included in the
study. Pertinent information on socio-demography and participant knowledge, attitude and practices
(KAP) was secured through a questionnaire and interview. Some selected AHC personnel were also
used to generate data on current TB control practices and related activities within the health center.
Data were organized and analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics, univariate and
multivariate logistic regression models. In the past ten years, 4218 PTB suspected patients were
registered on TB laboratory logbook. Of these, 252 (5.97%) were smear-positive, 127(6.53%) males
and 125(5.2%) females. The highest PTB suspects were recorded in 2012 (16.2%) and the least in
2006, (3.2%). The highest number of smear-positives was in 2007 (17.4%) and lowest in 2011 (2.5%).
All the health personnel (n=17) confirmed that the current control practice was adequate although
there was budget inadequacy. There were 110 males and 90 females of which 9 (8.9%) and 7 (7.8)
were PTB smear-positive, respectively, in the current cross-sectional survey. There was significant
difference among study participants from rural and urban areas (p=0.023). There was also statistical
significant differences between knowledge of patients about transmission of PTB and infection
prevalence of PTB (p=0.027). Majority of the respondents had awareness about PTB and practiced the
recommended TB preventive measures likely resulting in the observed lower prevalence for the study
area. But further work is required to correct some misconceptions still circulating among certain
community members about the public health importance of TB and maximize the choice of modern
drugs. The control efforts must be further strengthened to sustainably control TB in the area.
Keywords:, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Amba-giorgis,
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Keywords
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Amba-giorgis