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Open Access Sex-related trends in non-conversion of new smear-positive tuberculosis patients in the Free State, South Africa

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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.

Keywords: DOTS; HIV; MDR-TB; male-female differential

Document Type: Research Article

Affiliations: 1: Centre for Health Systems Research & Development, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa 2: Free State Department of Health, Bloemfontein, South Africa 3: Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa

Publication date: 21 March 2014

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  • Public Health Action (PHA), The Union's quarterly Open Access journal, welcomes the submission of articles on operational research. It publishes high-quality scientific research on health services, providing new knowledge on how to improve access, equity, quality and efficiency of health systems and services.

    The Editors will consider any manuscript reporting original research on quality improvements, cost-benefit analysis, legislation, training and capacity building, with a focus on all relevant areas of public health (e.g. infection control, nutrition, TB, HIV, vaccines, smoking, COVID-19, microbial resistance, outbreaks etc).

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