Incidence and epidemiologic feature of pulmonary tuberculosis among students in Tianjin,2006-2013

Objective To examine incidence and epidemiologic feature of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) among students in Tianjin city,and to provide evidences for TB control in schools.Methods Data on student TB cases reported in Tianjin municipality (Tianjin) during 2006 to 2013 were extracted from TB registration system and analyzed with descriptive epidemiologic methods using SAS 9.13.Results Totally 2 676 active and 604 sputum smear positive student TB cases were reported,accounting for 8.45% and 5.19% of all active and sputum smear positive TB cases reported in Tianjin during the period and no significantly yearly change in the ratios of the student TB cases was observed (P=0.39 and P=0.76).The average annual reported incidences were 21.00/100 000 and 4.74/100 000 for active and sputum smear positive TB among the students in Tianjin and the incidences did not changed significantly among the years during the period (P=0.31 and P=0.31).The age at the time of the report for the student ranged 17-21 years,with a median age of 19.More than a half of the student TB cases were college students (54.52%),followed by high school students 28.74% (28.74%).The male to female ratio of the student TB cases was 1.51:1.The proportions of the student TB cases identified via referral,clinic visit due to symptoms,and health examination were 56.95%,24.96%,and 16.33%,respectively,and more cases were reported during April to October of a year.Among the student TB cases,the ratios of sputum smear positive,retreatment,manifestation of pulmonary cavity in chest X-ray were significantly lower than those among non student TB cases (P<0.01 for all).Conclusion College and high school students are the priority populations of TB control in Tianjin.Health examination,referral and recommendation of TB suspects via infirmary in schools should be enhanced.