Risk factors for positive pulmonary tuberculosis, Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health problem worldwide. Identifying risk factors for developing TB is most important in controlling disease progression and spread among the target population and the whole community. Aim: The current study aimed to identify the associated risk factors with positive smear for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) patients in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia (SA). Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 10 months, in the Jazan Region, SA. Subjects and Methods: The study involved the use of a questionnaire, which consisted of three parts: demographic information, TB risk factors, and smear microscopy for MTB. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics and correlation using Chi-square and multi-linear regression to identify the correlation between identified risk factors and certain factors. An adjusted odds ratio (OR) was also calculated. Results: The enrolled patients were 114 with a mean age of 35.77 years, the majority (76.3%) were below 45 years, and males constituted 71.1% of the sample. Marital status varied, with 57.9% being single. The population represented urban (39.5%) and rural (60.5%) lifestyles, and 63.2% were employed. Most had family sizes exceeding five members (78.1%), and 43.9% had more than three rooms in their residences. The smear-positive rate was 66.7%, with potential gender differences, but this difference was not statistically significant. Smoking, substance abuse, and contact with active TB patients were common risk factors. Females had lower odds of human immunodeficiency virus, diabetes, chronic conditions, and smoking but higher odds of substance abuse, psychiatric problems, and contact with active TB patients. Females were more likely to have a history of chronic respiratory diseases, contact with active TB patients, and psychiatric problems. Significant associations (P < 0.05) existed between smear positivity and age group, being single, contact history with active TB, and diabetes. Adjusted ORs confirmed age and being single as independent risk factors for smear-positive pulmonary TB (PTB). Age and family size were identified as significant predictors of positive smear for TB, explaining approximately 36% of the variance. Other variables such as gender, marital status, residence, occupation, and past medical histories did not significantly contribute to predicting smear positivity. Conclusion: The current study focused on identifying significant risk factors among newly diagnosed PTB patients. The study revealed that age, marital status, contact with TB patients, diabetes, smoking, and substance abuse were all reported risk factors. The smear positivity was found to be statistically significant with the younger age groups, married, diabetic patients, and those with a previous history of exposure to tuberculous patients. These findings provide valuable insights for designing tailored interventions in the Jazan region.