Factors associated with tuberculosis disease among children who are household contacts of tuberculosis cases in an urban setting in Malaysia

Abstract

BackgroundWith the rise in prevalence of childhood tuberculosis (TB) globally, contact tracing should be a powerful strategy for early diagnosis and management, especially in children who are household contacts of active TB cases. Here, we aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with TB disease in children who are household contacts of TB cases.MethodsWe used a cross-sectional study with data from the Malaysian TB Information System (TBIS) recorded from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2017. All children aged 0–14 years who were registered in the TBIS with at least one household contact of TB cases were included in the study. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (adj. OR) and for adjusting the confounding factors.ResultsA total of 2793 children were included in the study. The prevalence of active TB was 1.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31, 1.77%). Children aged < 5 years [adj. OR 9.48 (95% CI: 3.41, 26.36) p < 0.001] with positive tuberculin skin test [adj. OR 395.73 (95% CI: 134.17, 1167.13), p < 0.001] and investigation period of > 6 weeks [adj. OR 7.48 (95% CI: 2.88, 19.43), p < 0.001] had significantly higher odds for TB disease.ConclusionsThe prevalence of TB disease in children who were household contacts of TB cases is relatively low. However, contact tracing programmes should not only focus on children aged < 5 years and with positive tuberculin skin test results, but also be empowered to reduce the investigation period.

Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome in Patients with TB-HIV Coinfection in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

“…However, datasets used for analysis in this study are not publicly available due to some concern, in which it contained health information which could compromise the privacy of research participants. Details on TBIS also have been cited in few other studies related to TB in Malaysia [24][25][26].…”

Tuberculosis infection among children under six in contact with smear positive cases: A study in a hyper endemic area of Iran

“…In a prospected cohort study in the central parts of Iran carried out by Aminzadeh et al, two of 23 closed contact children developed active tuberculosis, while in another study conducted by Kontturi in Finland, 34 of 526 children exposed to TB cases showed positive criteria for active disease [2] , [14] . Also, a study in Malaysia that examined 2793 children aged 0–14 in close contact with at least one case of TB, the prevalence of active TB was 1.5 % [15] . Lower rate of pathogenicity of tuberculosis among the exposed children in our study area can be due to good care and follow up of TB patients and their families in the PHC system of Iran particularly in the most prevalence areas.…”

Sex-related differences in smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Prevalence and associated factors

“…It is mandatory to notify TB cases once any medical officers make a diagnosis in both private and public healthcare facilities. Details on the TBIS have been published elsewhere [ 18 ].…”

“…Type of residence was categorised into low-cost, medium- to high-cost, and other. Low-cost residences were defined as low-cost flats and residence under the government housing programs ( Projek Perumahan Rakyat , PPR ) [ 18 ]. Medium- to high-cost residences were defined as apartments, condominiums, terrace houses and bungalows.…”