Epidemiology of pulmonary tuberculosis in University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Central Hospital, Benin City.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Poverty, overcrowding, homelessness, malnutrition and the AIDS pandemic has worsen the problem of tuberculosis in the developing countries, Nigeria inclusive with Nigeria being the fifth among the twenty-two high tuberculosis burden countries. OBJECTIVE: To identify the epidemiological factors associated with the distribution of tuberculosis in Benin City, Nigeria. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional and descriptive one and carried out in two major public hospitals in Benin City, Nigeria, namely University of Benin Teaching Hospital (a tertiary hospital) and the Central Hospital (a secondary hospital) within one year period. RESULTS: The results of study revealed more males were affected than females (1.71). The mean age was 39.9 +/- 16.7 years with the largest number of patients (71.5%) being in the age groups 21 - 30 years. The major defaulters to anti-tuberculosis drugs were those with primary education and no formal education, which together constituted 80%. CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis was seen to be more common in males than females and the age group mostly affected was between 21 and 30 years. It still remains a disease of the low socio-economic status and those living in overcrowded environment. Compliance was poor amongst the uneducated and the poor.