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Tuberculosis and gender: exploring the patterns in a case control study in Malawi.
A C Crampin1, J R Glynn, S Floyd
1Karonga Prevention Study, Chilumba, Malawi.
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and contact with tuberculosis (TB) cases explain the higher rates of TB in young women and older men. These factors are key drivers of TB distribution by gender in this population.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) incidence disproportionately affects young women and older men in many populations.
- Potential contributing factors include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, pregnancy, smoking, cooking smoke exposure, TB case contact, and gender-specific healthcare utilization and diagnostic delays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons behind the observed gender-based disparities in tuberculosis incidence.
- To identify key risk factors contributing to the excess of TB in young females and older males.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted in Karonga District, Malawi.
- 598 new tuberculosis cases with confirmed evidence and 992 community-selected controls were included.
- Risk factors analyzed included HIV status, pregnancy, smoking, smoke exposure, TB contact, healthcare usage, and diagnostic delay.
Main Results:
- An excess of TB was observed in young females and older males, particularly pronounced in HIV-positive individuals.
- HIV infection was a significant risk factor for TB in both genders.
- Tuberculosis was associated with household/family TB contact for all, and with non-household contacts for women.
- Pregnancy, smoking, and smoke exposure were not associated with increased TB risk.
Conclusions:
- HIV infection and contact with known tuberculosis patients are critical determinants of the gender distribution of tuberculosis cases in this population.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for targeted public health interventions and TB control strategies.