The prevalence of tuberculosis in different economic strata: a community survey from South India

Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2007 Sep;11(9):1042-5.

Abstract

A cross-sectional socio-economic survey to assess the standard of living index (SLI) of a rural population in South India was undertaken along with a tuberculosis (TB) prevalence survey during 2004-2006. Of 32,780 households, the SLI was low, medium and high in 22%, 36% and 42%, and TB prevalence was 343, 169 and 92 per 100,000 population, respectively, a significant decrease in trend (P < 0.001); 57% of the TB patients had a low SLI and the prevalence of TB was higher amongst the landless (P < 0.001), those living below the poverty line (P < 0.01) and in katcha houses (P < 0.001), suggesting that TB disproportionately affects those with a low SLI.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Poverty*
  • Prevalence
  • Rural Population
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Tuberculosis / economics
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology*