Keywords
Prevalence
Dera Ismail Khan
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis
Mortality
Pakistan
How to Cite
Abstract
Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at DHQ Hospital in Dera Ismail Khan from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023. A retrospective
Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern. particularly in developing countries such as Pakistan. Understanding the prevalence, demographic distribution, and kinds of tuberculosis is critical for optimal disease management. Investigating the prevalence and prognosis of tuberculosis patients at the District Head Quarter (DHQ) Hospital in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is the aim of this study.
examination of 5,246 probable tuberculosis cases was conducted. To identify tuberculosis-positive cases, sputum smear microscopy with Ziehl-Neelsen staining was used. Demographic information such as age, gender, TB type (pulmonary or extrapulmonary), and past history were gathered. Laboratory services and treatment techniques were in accordance with the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTCP) guidelines.
Result: Among the 5,246 patients investigated, 38.52% tested positive for tuberculosis. The male-to-female ratio was 43.93% to 56.06%, with more patients recorded in 2023 than in 2022. Pulmonary tuberculosis was the most widespread, accounting for 77% of cases, followed by extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (23%). The incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis was highest (18.22%) in patients aged ≥65 years, followed by 15.11% in those aged 15-24 years. Other age groups were 12.42% in 55-64 years, 11.18% in 25-34 years, 8.70% in 45-54 years, 8.28% in 35-44 years, 3.11% in 5-14 years, and 0.83% in 0-4 years. Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis had the highest prevalence (4.55%) in the 15-24 and ≥65 age groups, followed by 3.73% in 55-64, 3.11% in 25-34, 2.48% in 45-54, 1.86% in 5-14, 1.24% in 35-44, and 0.62% in 0-4 years.
Conclusion: The study underscores the prevalence of pulmonary TB over extra-pulmonary TB in the elderly and young adult groups. The findings highlight the need of targeted TB control efforts, particularly in high-risk age groups, in reducing the disease burden and improving treatment outcomes in Dera Ismail Khan.