Relative risk for tuberculosis (TB) in the Sammanthurai DS division

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is still continuing to be a major public health problem in Sri Lanka. About 8000 new cases of TB are notified every year. The incidences of TB differ much within the divisional secretariat (DS) divisions of the country based on the environmental pollution and other factors such as occupation, nutrition and education levels. The risk for TB also, therefore, differs much within the DS divisions. In this study the relative risk for TB in the Sammanthurai DS division was estimated using linear logistic models. This DS division had 2.89 fold higher relative risk for TB compare to the national incidence. Within this DS division, an area called J block was identified as more susceptible area for TB. Presence of metal quarries, traditional brick manufacturing industries, low level of education and low income might be the causes for the increased relative risks.