Age and gender in drug resistance tuberculosis: a cross sectional case study at a national tuberculosis reference hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

ObjectivesDrug resistance in tuberculosis (TB) is a very important public health threat which should not be ignored. Understanding gender, age and characteristics of individuals affected by TB (without HIV, diabetes or Hepatitis B complication), particularly in terms of drug resistance or susceptibility, is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies as most studies focus on TB/HIV coinfection. MethodsA cross-sectional case study of age and gender in 140 individuals grouped into: drug resistant (DR-TB), drug susceptible (DS-TB), and apparently healthy controls (AHCs). Data collection was through medical records and structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses compared age, gender, and selected risk factors across groups. ResultsMean age for DR-TB group was 32 years (SD≈ 2). 80.0% were ≤ 40 years and four times more likely to have DR-TB. 55% were male with 1.22 times more likelihood of DR-TB in males.Mean age for DS-TB group was 34 years (SD ≈ 12). 66.7% were ≤ 40 years old. Odds ratio of DS-TB in males was 2.16.Only 10% of DR-TB enrollees had BCG scars compared to 65% AHCs. High percentage of DR-TB reported handling raw meat (75%) and drinking unpasteurized milk (70%) compared to DS-TB. ConclusionsThe observed gender disparities and age-related factors especially in DR-TB, highlight the importance of considering age and gender factors in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts of DR-TB. Findings also highlight the need to bridge gaps in awareness and prevention of zoonotic TB and issues around effective BCG vaccination and coverage.