Socio-Economic Dependence on the Incidence of Tuberculosis in Jos, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a disease of serious public health concern due to its high tendency of person-person transmission, morbidity, and mortality. Objective: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of AFB in relation to some socioeconomic variables within the study area. Methods: Sputum samples were collected from three hundred and three (303) patients with suspected cases of pulmonary tuberculosis in Jos, Nigeria. The samples were examined using Ziehl Neelsen method. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain some demographic data from patients that consented. Results were tested statistically for significance at p < 0.05 using Chisquare test. Results: Of the samples examined, 29(9.60%) were positive for AFB .Statistically the study reveals that occupational status and educational status does not have any effects on the prevalence (p > 0.05). Income status of individuals showed a significant effect on the prevalence (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Pulmonary tuberculosis was recorded more among patients with low socio-economic status. There is need for a more collaborative efforts and political will by the government and non-governmental agencies in order to eliminate the infection in the nearest future.