Tuberculosis-specific and non-tuberculosis-specific mortality in a district

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable disease that contributes to major ill health. Worldwide, it is one of the leading causes of death from a single infectious agent. The study aimed to describe the epidemiology and factors associated with TB-specific and non-TB-specific mortality in Manjung District, Perak, Malaysia. All confirmed TB cases from 2015 to 2020 registered in Manjung District under “Sistem Maklumat Tibi” (MyTB) were included. Factors associated with TB-specific and non-TB-specific mortality were analysed by using simple and multiple logistic regression analysis. A total of 742 TB cases were included in the analysis; 34 (28.1%) and 87 (71.9%) died from TB-specific and non-TB-specific causes, respectively. From multiple logistic regression analyses, male gender, non-Malaysian, cases notified by government hospitals, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive status, and HIV testing not offered/unknown were significantly associated with TB-specific mortality. For non-TB-specific mortality, two factors were significant, age group 65 and above, and HIV-positive status. To strengthen and reduce both the TB-specific and non-TB-specific mortality rate in Manjung District, targeted approaches, such as close monitoring should be practised, especially among male gender, non-Malaysians, those with HIV and cases presented to the hospital.