Evaluation of Risk Factors for Developing Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis in Rural Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has emerged as a public health issue globally and especially in developing countries. An adequate and baseline epidemiological information on MDR-TB is critical for effective control and prevention of MDR TB. Objective: To evaluate the risk factors for developing MDR-TB among the patients registered under TB-DOTS at Federal General Hospital (FGH) Islamabad. Results: Among total of 27 cases 14 (51%) were male. The mean age of the cases was 31 years (range13-61 years). Most of the cases belonged to age group 20-30 years n=11 (40.7%). On bivariate analysis, out of a total of 27 cases, 07 were found to have defaulted from TB treatment, (OR 6.71, CI 1.7-25), 12 had a contact with MDR TB patient (OR 5.6, CI 2-15), 22 had a poor socio-economic status (OR 3.1, CI 1.1-9.2) and 14 had poor knowledge about MDR-TB (OR 2.8, CI 1.1-7.4). Conclusions: ATT failure, contact with MDR-TB patient, poor knowledge about MDR-TB were found to be associated with having MDR-TB. Awareness campaigns at an institutional and patient levels was recommended. On recommendations of this study awareness campaign was started in FGH regarding significant risk factors for MDR-TB.