Provider: Ingenta Connect
Database: Ingenta Connect
Content: application/x-research-info-systems
TY - ABST
AU - Heunis, J. C.
AU - Kigozi, N. G.
AU - van der Merwe, S.
AU - Chikobvu, P.
AU - Beyers, N.
TI - Sex-related trends in non-conversion of new smear-positive tuberculosis patients in the Free State, South Africa
JO - Public Health Action
PY - 2014-03-21T00:00:00///
VL - 4
IS - 1
SP - 66
EP - 71
KW - HIV
KW - DOTS
KW - MDR-TB
KW - male-female differential
N2 - Setting:
Free State Province, South Africa. Objective:
To examine sex-specific trends in 2-month sputum smear non-conversion in new sputum smearpositive tuberculosis
(TB) cases during a period when the DOTS strategy was operative. Design:
A retrospective cohort study of TB cases registered between 2003 and 2009 was conducted. Nonconversion was indicated by a positive 2-month sputum smear
result. Descriptive and eneralised linear model analyses were performed and sex-specific trends in 2-month sputum smear non-conversion rates estimated. Results:
Overall, 2-month sputum smear nonconversion rates were 12.5%
in males and 9.3% in females. Non-conversion was significantly associated with age in males (P < 0.001). Non-conversion rates declined significantly between 2003 and 2009: from 15.9% to 10.8% in males (P < 0.001) and from 12.0% to 6.6% in females (P < 0.001). The average rate of decline
of non-conversion was higher among females (1.0%, 95%CI 0.8-1.2) than among males (0.8%, 95%CI 0.5-1.0). By 2009, males had a 60% higher risk of non-conversion than females (RR 1.60, CI .37-1.86). Conclusion:
The decline
in the trend of 2-month sputum smear non-conversion confirms the relative success of the DOTS strategy in TB control, with better performance among females than males. Interventions should consider the sex and age of patients to improve the 2-month sputum smear-conversion rate.
UR - https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/iuatld/pha/2014/00000004/00000001/art00016
M3 - doi:10.5588/pha.13.0108
UR - https://doi.org/10.5588/pha.13.0108
ER -