Tuberculosis in Texas: trends and issues in surveillance

This study examined, risk factors and trends related to tuberculosis (TB) in Texas from 1987 through 1993. We found a significantly greater incidence of TB among racial/ethnic minorities than among whites. Country of origin, group risk, individual risk, and occupational risk were investigated also. The percentage of affected persons born in either Mexico or Vietnam increased throughout the time of the study. The state-level percentage trends of the individual risk group (alcohol and/or drug abuse) mirrored those of the national level. The most striking observation, however, proved to be the poor quality of data. Drastic yearly differences existed in completion of the "country of origin" field. The fields for "individual risk," "group risk," and "occupational risk" showed completion rates of less than 50%; completeness continued to be a problem in 1997. The poor quality of data diminishes the validity of conclusions about trends in TB in Texas. Recommendations for improving the quality of data are noted.