Factors Affecting the Spatial-temporal Distribution of Tuberculosis in Texas - 2012-2016
Date
2018-03-14
Authors
Princewill, Nimitariye
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Abstract
- Purpose Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic disease that mostly affects the respiratory system. It is among the top 10 causes of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), even though a preventable disease. In Texas, data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reveals that TB remains a relatively significant disease. Several risk factors have been linked to a predisposition of TB infection. Such risk factors include HIV/AIDS and other immunodeficiency states (e.g. diabetes), alcohol abuse, poverty, etc. The objective of this study is to determine the geographical distribution of TB in Texas and to assess how HIV/AIDS prevalence and median household income correlate with the spatial pattern of TB in the state.
- Methodology TB prevalence rates for the years 2012-2016 were obtained for all counties in Texas from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) while prevalence rates for HIV/AIDS were obtained from Texas Ranking Data. Median household income was used as an indicator of SES; the data was obtained from Texas Ranking Data. Temporal-spatial variations in TB and HIV/AIDS prevalence were analyzed using ArcGIS. Multiple linear regression models were used to regress TB prevalence on HIV/AIDS and median household income.
- Results TB prevalence in the state has been relatively low in the last five years at about a mean of 4.5 per 100,000. Counties in the south of the state have had the highest burden of the disease. HIV/AIDS prevalence was found to be positively correlated with TB prevalence, adjusting for demographic factors.
- Conclusion Even though the average TB prevalence in the state is low, preventive measures should still be promoted, especially among vulnerable populations, to maintain the low rates. HIV/AIDS prevention efforts should also be intensified because a successful HIV/AIDS program (resulting in low prevalence rates) will ultimately lower TB prevalence.