Segregation of tuberculosis patients by social, demographic and economic features on the model of Chisinau city and the role of community support

Abstract

Background: One of the most important actions in tuberculosis control represents the improvement of social and economic conditions, as well as nutrition, hygiene, housing and working state of the population. Commission on Social determinants of Health suggests to all tuberculosis burden countries, especially targeting research sector, governments and academia institutions to implement health-oriented interventions, as being the most powerful potential efforts in tuberculosis control. The aim of the study was the segregation of tuberculosis patients according to the social, demographic and economic characteristics revealed at the regional level in Chisinau city for identifying target groups for improving the earlier case-detection. Material and methods: 185 pulmonary tuberculosis patients diagnosed in the period 01.01.2015-31.12.2015 in Chisinau city were investigated. Results: While segregating new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis there were identified several high risk groups for active disease: social risk groups with specific features – uninsured, unemployed, living in poor conditions; groups with suppressing medical conditions; epidemiologically endangered groups – homeless, migrants and contacts with tuberculosis patients; persons with harmful habits (alcohol abusers, injection drug users). Due to enumerated risk factors it was identified that one half of patients were late detected as being microscopic positive for acid-fast-bacilli that presented the highest epidemiological danger. Conclusions: Social and community support must take into account the segregation of TB patients method for improving awareness, education and information of high risk groups and specific groups for tuberculosis.