Critical analysis on tuberculosis mortality during 2005-2011 in Batticaloa district, Sri Lanka

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.