Development and Validation of the Tuberculosis Risk Score for Smokers (TBRSS)

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health issue worldwide. However, the effectiveness of TB screening programmes among smokers is still questionable. There is a need for a simple, reliable, and validated screening system for this risk population. This study aimed to develop and validate the tuberculosis risk score for smokers (TBRSS) in Kelantan, Malaysia. A case–control study was conducted on 159 patients (smokers with and without TB) between January and July 2020. Simple and multiple logistic regressions were applied to determine the variables to be included in the risk score. The cut-off points to determine a score indicating low or high risk for TB disease were obtained based on the receiver operating characteristics curve. Content validation was carried out through interviews with eight experts to measure each variable′s relevancy. The face validation was conducted among 20 health clinic staff. Seven variables were selected for inclusion in the risk score. The chosen cut-off point was 16 (out of 43), with 91% and 78% sensitivity and specificity, respectively. The scale-level content validity index was 0.83, while the face validity index scores for each element ranged between 0.85 and 1.00. The TBRSS can be considered a validated screening tool for use in screening TB disease risk among smokers, which potentially may lead to an increased detection of TB disease in the community.