An intersectionality perspective on tuberculosis: social determinants affecting tuberculosis mortality rate in...

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Social Determinants of Health

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) mortality is influenced by social determinants like poverty, though associations vary geographically.
• Overcrowding and population density are recognized risk factors for TB transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the association between TB mortality and socioeconomic factors (poverty, rurality, population density, overcrowding) in Ecuador.
• To examine the territorial distribution of TB mortality in relation to these determinants.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive and observational statistical analysis of 2010 Ecuadorian TB mortality data.
• Univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression models were employed.

Main Results:

• Highest TB mortality rates were observed in rural areas and among the poorest populations (first quintile).
• Higher population density was inversely associated with TB mortality, while overcrowding showed a significant univariate association that disappeared in the multivariate model.
• Poverty and rurality were significant predictors of higher TB mortality in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions:

• TB mortality in Ecuador is strongly associated with poverty and rurality.
• Public health interventions should target rural, underserved communities.
• Further research is needed on the impact of socioeconomic changes and healthcare access on TB incidence.