Assessing the relationship between Tuberculosis incidence rate and Human Development Index in world using an ecological study

Abstract

Background and objectives: Tuberculosis is still one of the public health challenges in both developed and developing countries. This study designed to investigate the relationship between the human development index, one of the most important indicators of economic, social and health conditions of a country and tuberculosis’ incidence. Subjects and Methods: In this ecological study, data on the incidence of tuberculosis and the Human Development Index in 2018, were extracted from the World Health Organization's website and the United Nations Development Program's website. Spearman correlation coefficient and 95% bootstrap confidence interval were used to determine the relationship between tuberculosis incidence and human development index (and its components). Results: The highest incidence of tuberculosis in 2018 was observed in countries with the lowest human development index. Human development index (and its components including: life expectancy at birth, education, per capita gross national income) had an inverse and significant relationship with the incidence of tuberculosis. Conclusion: The incidence of tuberculosis is correlated with the Human Development Index and its components. Therefore, in addition to the commitment of those involved in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis to the guidelines of the World Health Organization, it is necessary that health policymakers, especially in low-income countries, focus on the environmental and social components associated with burden of tuberculosis.