Factors associated with tuberculosis infection among patients at Lira regional referral hospital.

Abstract

The study about the risk factors associated with Tuberculosis infection among people in Lango Sub-region, Northern Uganda especially those admitted at Lira Regional Referral Hospital in the period Jan to Dec 2021. The study aimed at determining the association of demographic, socio-economic, health and clinical risk factors with Tuberculosis infection among these people. Secondary data from the Biostatistics Department, District Health Offices Lira was used in the analysis. The findings revealed that 54.2% of the patients were males, more than half (77.1%) of the patients tested positive for the infection, 18.9% had Human Immunodeficiency Virus, 53.4% had contacts with tuberculosis-infected persons or particles, the mean weight of patients is 37.5kg and 10.2% of the total were taking alcohol. At 95% Cl, body weight (OR= 1.35, p 0.033), had contacts with infection (OR= 9.56, p 0.000), diabetes (OR= 5.16, p 0.057), alcohol use (OR= 3.16, p 0.049), and HIV (OR= 0.11, p 0.000) were the risk factors significantly (p-values less than 0.05) associated with tuberculosis infection. The study recommended that, there should be continuous coordination of global surveillance of resistance to at least the two most important first-line anti-TB drugs-isoniazid and rifampicin and fluoroquinolones and second-line injectable drugs. Also, sensitization and adopting standard operating procedures like wearing facemasks, frequent handwashing with detergents, proper ventilation, and natural light can help combat tuberculosis infection. HIV patients should feed on nutritious foods to boost their body immunity in fighting other infections like tuberculosis. The finding indicated that, body weight, had contact with infected particles, diabetes level, alcohol use and HIV infection were the risk factors associated with tuberculosis in LRRH. Considering these risk factors can help in guiding health workers in identifying the presumptive cases.