Abstract:

Objective To analyze the epidemic characteristics and trend of pulmonary tuberculosis prevalence in Kashgar region of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for reference in formulating the prevention and control strategies and measures for tuberculosis. Methods The case data of pulmonary tuberculosis reported in the 12 counties (cities) in Kashgar area from 2011 to 2020 were retrieved through the Tuberculosis Management Information System of China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. Descriptive epidemiological method was used to statistically analyze the time distribution, sputum detection rate, positive rate in pathogen detection, population and regional distribution. Results In total, 189 416 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were reported in Kashgar area from 2011 to 2020, with an average incidence being 451.29/100 000 reported annually. The annually reported incidence was minimal 250.40/100 000 and maximal 806.75/100 000. The reported incidence tended to increase initially, and decline later. The rate of sputum test and positive rate in pathogen detection ranged in between 73.70% and 98.37%, 11.41% and 55.48%, respectively from 2011 to 2020. The incidence was the highest in population aged 60 years or over in all age groups, which accounted for 46.91% (88 858/189 416). The incidence was higher in males than in females, with a male to female ratio of 1.01∶1. By occupation, farmers appeared to be affected most (83.52%, 158 741/189 416). The top three annual reported incidence rate of pulmonary tuberculosis were Yingjisha County (816.68/100 000), Zepu County (643.99/100 000) and Yuepuhu County (516.09/100 000). Conclusion Pulmonary tuberculosis in Kashgar region showed an upward trend and then a downward trend, and the burden of tuberculosis was still heavy. The findings suggest that following prevention and control efforts for tuberculosis should be targeted at key population, counties and districts.

Key words: Pulmonary tuberculosis, Incidence rate, Epidemiological characteristics, Kashgar