EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PATTERN OF TUBERCULOSIS IN DIR LOWER, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health issue, especially in resource-limited regions like Dir Lower Malakand Division, Pakistan. This study examines TB prevalence in relation to gender, age, seasonal variation, environmental factors, and geography. A total of 215 patients were screened in 2022, with 94 (43.7%) diagnosed with TB. The results highlighted significant gender disparities, with females showing higher TB positivity (24.7%) compared to males (19.1%). The adolescent age group (11–20 years) had the highest TB prevalence (15.3%). TB incidence was higher in August (16.7%) and December (14.0%), likely due to post-monsoon humidity and cold indoor conditions. Dir Town reported a 55.3% rate of cases, with rural areas like Wari and Kalki having significantly lower rates. These findings emphasize the need for context-specific TB control strategies addressing gender, youth, and environmental factors, particularly in rural and underserved areas.