Abstract:

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics and development trend of tuberculosis in Anhui province for evidence to plan scientific strategies in following prevention and control of this disease. Methods Descriptive epidemiology was used to analyze the data of tuberculosis from cases reported in the management information system of infectious diseases in Anhui province from 2005 to 2018. Results The reported incidence of tuberculosis cases in Anhui province was significantly decreased from 97. 9 to 49. 9 per 100 000 population between 2005 and 2018 (χ2 = 21 820. 27, P<0. 05). Highest incidence was reported in patients over 65 years.The incidence was higher in males than in females (χ2 =8 612. 78, P<0. 05), and 73. 2% in farmers out of the total case number. Annual prevalence of tuberculosis was peaked in March and April, and unevenly distributed in the 16 administrative areas, with the highest in cities of Anqing, Chizhou and Tongling, where 80 cases were reported in per 100 000 population. Average annual incidence was the lowest in Suzhou area(58. 83 cases per 100 000 population). The difference was significant in the average annual reported incidences among cities (χ2 = 11 111. 94,P<0. 05), and the reported incidence was affected by per capita GDP and health care expenditure by per person in rural population. Conclusion The reported incidence of tuberculosis tends to decrease year by year in Anhui province,and is higher in population over 65 years. Prevention and control of the disease should focus on farmers and
poverty-stricken population. The highest incidence of tuberculosis appears in Spring season, and in mountain areas in southern Anhui, suggesting that this population and areas should be strengthened in following monitoring task.

Key words: Pulmonary tuberculosis, Epidemiology, Cross-sectional studies