Macro analysis of influence factors for tuberculosis prevalence in the world

Objective To understand the influence factors for tuberculosis (TB) prevalence in the world and provide the evidence for TB control. Methods Fifteen variables including TB prevalence and related factors were collected from 214 countries in the world to conduct descriptive analysis, linear regression analysis and general linear model (GLM) analysis. Results TB prevalence was associated statistically with proportions of cases in age groups 15-64 years, 65 years, the proportion of male cases, healthcare expenditure per capita, HIV infection rate among people aged 15-64 years and country specific difference (P0.01), but not with urban population proportion (P0.05). TB prevalence declined with the increase of healthcare expenditure per capita, and increased with the increase of HIV infection rate among people aged 15-64 years. Conclusion The increase of healthcare expenditure per capita, effective HIV transmission control and strengthened active TB case-finding are key factors to reduce TB prevalence.