Epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in Heilongjiang, 2011–2020

  Objective  To analyze the registration status and epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Heilongjiang province from 2011 to 2020 and provide evidence for the prevention and control of pulmonary TB.

  Methods  The data of pulmonary TB patient registration in Heilongjiang during 2011–2020 were collected from China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. The incidence of pulmonary TB during 2011–2020 was analyzed by descriptive method. Statistical analysis was conducted with Excel 2007 and SAS 9.4, and χ² test was used to compare the rates.

  Results  From 2011 to 2020, the reported case number and incidence of active pulmonary TB in the province decreased year by year, and the average annual decline rate was 1.59% with statistical difference（χ²=99.61, P<0.05）Most cases occurred in January and March, accounting for 20.4%. The average annual reported incidence was 102.6/100 000 in males and 93.5/100 000 in females, and the difference was significant（χ²=35428.61, P<0.05）. The cases were mainly aged between 20 and 69 years, and the cases in age group of 40–49 years accounted for the highest proportion. The cases in farmers accounted for the highest proportion (40%), followed by that in the jobless and unemployed (38.9%). The incidences in 13 prefectures showed decline trends, with an average annual decline of 8.53%. The rapid declines were found in Daxinganling, Mudanjiang and Shuangyashan.

  Conclusion  The reported incidence of pulmonary TB in Heilongjiang decreased in recent ten years, indicating a great achievement in pulmonary TB prevention and control. Although more obvious decline in pulmonary TB incidence has been observed since 2015, it is still high compared with other areas in China.