Socio-Demographic Profile of Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Including Multi-Drug Resistant Cases, at Chest Diseases Hospital, Rajshahi

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global public health concern, with Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) constituting a substantial burden. This study aimed to assess the socio-demographic profile of PTB patients, with a focus on Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases, at Chest Diseases Hospital in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Data from 299 patients were analyzed, considering variables such as age, gender, education, income, and urban or rural residence. The study revealed that the majority of patients were aged 30-44 years, with a mean age of 38.06 years. Gender distribution showed 54.18% males and 45.82% females. Most patients had primary education, and a significant portion were illiterate. Housewives were the largest occupational group, and the majority had a monthly family income of less than Taka 10,000. Furthermore, the study found a significant relationship between MDR-TB and the type of family and monthly family income, with higher MDR-TB prevalence in nuclear families and among those with lower income. This study provides critical insights into the socio-demographic characteristics of PTB patients, especially those with MDR-TB, in Rajshahi, contributing to tailored TB control strategies.