Epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis in Yangquan, Shanxi, 2000–2017

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) in Yangquan, Shanxi province, and provide scientific evidence for the development of TB prevention and control strategy.

Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted by using the incidence data of TB in Yangquan during 2000–2017.

Results A total of 12 462 TB cases were reported in Yangquan from 2000 to 2017, the average annual incidence was 52.40/100 000. The lowest incidence was 32.02/100 000 in 2015, the highest incidence was 79.05/100 000 in 2005. The differences in annual incidence of TB were significant (χ²＝978.412, P＝0.000). Yuxian county had reported highest incidence since 2006, and the incidence showed an increasing trend in recent years. The differences in TB incidence among different counties were significant (χ²＝252.028, P＝0.000). There were 3 624 TB cases reported from March to June, accounting for 29.08%. The male to female ratio of the TB cases was 2.10∶1. Among the reported cases, 6 668 cases occurred in age group 20–49 years, accounting for 53.51%. 5 336 cases occurred in farmers, accounting for 42.82%, and 1 023 cases occurred in students, accounting for 8.21%.

Conclusion The incidence of TB increased year by year in Yangquan during 2000–2005, and showed a marked decrease during 2005–2017. Farmers and students were the populations at high risk. It is necessary to improve the standardized management of TB cases and implement comprehensive TB prevention and control measures to effectively control the incidence and prevalence of TB.