Trends in Tuberculosis Incidence in North Carolina (1980-1999)

Sample size: 13564 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Hamisu M. Salihu, Eknath Naik, William F. O'Brien, Getachew Dagne, Raoul Ratard, Thomas Mason

Primary Institution: University of South Florida

What are the trends in tuberculosis incidence and associated sociodemographic characteristics in North Carolina over two decades?

The incidence of tuberculosis in North Carolina has significantly decreased over the past two decades, correlating with improved treatment methods.

TB incidence rates in North Carolina declined from 1,066 cases in 1980 to 488 in 1999.
Males have approximately twice the risk for TB compared to females.
Persons over 65 years of age are at the highest risk for TB.
Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians have the highest TB rates in North Carolina.
The proportion of TB patients receiving directly observed therapy increased from 44.4% in 1993 to 94.7% by 1999.
TB incidence rates are declining in all population subgroups except for foreign-born and Hispanic persons.
North Carolina's national ranking for TB cases improved from third worst in 1980 to 17th in 1999.
Overall, the incidence of TB disease has significantly decreased over the past decade.

This study shows that fewer people are getting tuberculosis in North Carolina now than 20 years ago, and better treatment is helping.

Analysis of reported TB cases in North Carolina from 1980 to 1999, using CDC criteria and statistical methods to compare incidence rates.

Potential biases in reporting and data collection methods could affect the accuracy of the findings.

Data for demographic variables were incomplete before 1982, and the study may not fully capture regional variations in TB incidence.

The study included confirmed TB cases in North Carolina, with a focus on sociodemographic factors such as age, sex, and race.

0.0001

95% CI = 1.66-2.03

p<0.0001

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