A comprehensive study on tuberculosis prediction models: Integrating machine learning into epidemiological analysis

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB), the second leading infectious killer globally, claimed the lives of 1.3 million individuals in 2022, after COVID-19, surpassing the toll of HIV and AIDS. With an estimated 10.6 million new TB cases worldwide in 2022, the gravity of the disease persists, necessitating urgent attention. Tuberculosis remains a critical public health crisis, and efforts to combat this infectious disease demand intensified global commitment and resources. This study utilizes predictive modeling techniques to forecast the incidence of Tuberculosis (TB), employing a range of machine learning models. Additionally, the research incorporates impactful visualizations for comprehensive data exploration, analysis and comparison. Various machine learning models are developed to anticipate TB incidence, with the optimal performing model to customize a user-defined function. This research provides valuable insights into the potential determinants influencing TB incidence, contributing to the identification of strategies for preventing the spread of Tuberculosis.