Abstract:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health problem throughout the world and in
Sri Lanka too. It is poses a continuing threat to the health and development of the people.
Around 8500 – 9500 cases are detected annually in Sri Lanka. In the recent past, the TB
mortality rate has significantly increased in Batticaloa district in comparison to the national value
(Mortality rate in 2009, National figure 2.4/100,000 Population and 3.35/100,000 Population for
Batticaloa district but in 2010 rate was 4.51/100,000 Population for Batticaloa district however
National figure is 2.5/100,000 Population).This investigation aimed to, identify the age group
vulnerable for death due to TB, recognize the areas in Batticaloa district that are more prone to
contracting TB, determine the influence of predisposing factors and co- morbidities contribute to
the death and designed to analyze the diagnostic criteria of tuberculosis at Chest Clinic and
Teaching Hospital,Batticaloa. Data obtained from chest clinic records and by interviewer
administered questionnaire of close relatives of the diseased cases. Statistical analysis was
performed by statistical software (SPSS 16.0) and the p-value < 0.05 was considered significant
for all analyses. The most vulnerable age group of death identified as 55– 64 years (30.4%). The
significant higher death rate (27.3%) occurred in Kaluwanchikudy Medical Officer of Health
(MOH) division. Smoking habit and alcohol consumption were recognized as significant
predisposing factors of death. The significant co-morbid to the death was bronchial asthma
(45.5%). Death due to tuberculosis has been found to be higher than the national figures in the
years under study. A typical laboratory dedicated for detection of TB should be established in
Batticaloa as it is essential to perform all diagnostic tests for TB to avoid the unnecessary delay
in diagnosing the disease and initiating treatment to avoid unwanted death.
