Sarcoidosis and tuberculosis in South Croatia: are there epidemiological similarities or not?

OBJECTIVE: Tuberculosis and sarcoidosis are chronic granulomatous diseases. Clinical, pathologic and immunologic aspects are similar although different. The authors were interested to highlight possible epidemiological similarities of these two granulomatous diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate incidence rate as well as age, sex and geographic distribution of sarcoidosis in South Croatia and to compare it with these epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. METHODS: The study was including ten years follow up period (1997-2006), and was performed in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. All data were collected retrospectively and analyzed using Statistica 7 programme. RESULTS: The mean annual incidence of sarcoidosis was 3.3/100,000 inhabitants with a mean of 15,6 cases per year. Woman accounted for 61% of all sarcoidosis cases. The mean sarcoidosis patient age was 44.94 ± 11.85 years. The peak age group was 40-49 years (31%). Significant difference according to incidence rate on the islands comparing to the rates on the coast and the mainland was observed (P = 0.003). The mean sarcoidosis mortality rate was 1.2/100,000. Statistically significant differences between sarcoidosis and tuberculosis were observed according the higher number of tuberculosis patients (P < 0.000), among males (P < 0.000), and females, too (P < 0.000) as well as in mortality rates (P = 0.401). Significantly more patients had tuberculosis on the mainland (P < 0.000) and on the coast (P < 0.000), but not in the islands (P = 0.260). CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study showed dissimilarities in classic epidemiological patterns between sarcoidosis and tuberculosis, incidence rates, as well as sex and geographic distribution. Our findings resulted from this study might be starting point for the future epidemiological, genetic, and immunological studies.

Tuberculosis knowledge among patients in out-patient settings in Split, Croatia.

SETTING: Patients of five randomly selected general practitioners in Split, Croatia. OBJECTIVE: To investigate knowledge about tuberculosis (TB) and to identify target groups for information, education and communication activities. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey based on a structured questionnaire using a convenience sampling among subjects aged > or =18 years. Data were stratified by sex, age group, educational background, personal monthly income and contact with TB patients. TB knowledge scores were determined from the number of correct answers to 12 selected questions. RESULTS: The questionnaires were completed by 386 subjects. No statistically significant differences were observed between females and males with respect to age, educational background or contact with TB patients, except for personal income, which was higher in males (P < 0.001). The mean TB knowledge score was 9.4 +/- 1.98 (range 1-12, median 10). A low score was associated with the youngest age group, 18-29 years (P = 0.018), and with <12 years of education (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Educational background and age groups of respondents were important determinants of TB knowledge. Although the study sample showed a satisfactory level of knowledge, the results demonstrated several misconceptions that need to be clarified. Uncertainties in core TB knowledge need to be addressed choosing less educated and young people as specific target groups.