Abstract

Background and Introduction: Tuberculosis burden continuous to be high even today despite the wide spread network of control measures started since 1962 with NTC.  WHO sets the target of reducing the prevalence rate to ten per one lakh population.  For the past few decades, MDR-TB has been a serious concern. 

Aims and Objectives:  In the present study, the aim is to study the prevalence rate among the population of Visakhapatnam District in Andhra Pradesh to compare it among the rural, urban, and tribal resgions.

Material and Methods: The data for the present study is obtained with permission from the District Tuberculous Control Officer, Pedawaltair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.  Total of 67,017 pooled case data, both old and new, from 2007 to Aug 2018 is gathered for the study to calculate prevalence rate among the population.  The data is analysed on excel sheet and IBM SPSS software statistics is applied where-ever necessary.  The prevalence rate is calculated using the Bio-Statistics formula by adding old cases to new cases divided by population at risk multiplied by one lakh. 

Results and Discussion:  The calculated prevalence rate of TB among the population of 42 – 47 lakh of Visakhapatnam District is variable with fluctuations giving the SEA-SAW shape in the graph and maintains a plateau when compared to the global trend of gradual fall by 20% reduction.  Yet the prevalence rate of Visakhapatnam study by the present author and its team is lesser than that of global. It is noticed that as per the analysis of data from the tables spread on the excel sheet, there is not much difference in prevalence of TB among the three regions of the district of Visakhapatnam unlike in other parts of the country particularly the state of MP.

Conclusions: With the fast and extensive ramification of Gene-Xpert machines to diagnose TB and resistance, more number of cases can be diagnosed and plan the control measures to check TB by involving all possible organisations like the NGOs, TBAs, local leaders, traditional healers in remote areas, extensive utilisation of social media and by providing balanced nutrition with the help of the Anganwadi staff.          

 Keywords: RURAL, URBAN , TRIBAL POPULATION, PREVALENCE, TB, WHO.