Space-Time Distribution Characteristics of Tuberculosis and Its Socioeconomic Factors in Southern China from 2015 to 2019.

PURPOSE

Guangxi is a high prevalence area of tuberculosis (TB) in China, urgent needing of further TB reduction. Our purpose is to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of TB in Guangxi and analyze the relationship between socioeconomic factors and TB from the dimensions of time and space to provide evidence to effectively prevent and control TB.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of the epidemiology of TB. Moran's index () was used for spatial autocorrelation analysis, and space-time scanning was used to detect temporal, space, and space-time clusters of TB. A Bayesian space-time model was used to analyze related factors of the TB epidemic at the county level in Guangxi.

RESULTS

From 2015 to 2019, a total of 233,623 TB cases were reported in Guangxi. The majority of TB cases were in males; the reported incidence of TB was the highest in people aged ≥65 years. By occupation, farmers were the most frequently affected. The overall reported incidence of TB decreased by 4.95% during this period. Tuberculosis occurs all year round, but the annual reporting peak is usually from March to July. Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that the reported incidence of TB in 2015-2019 was spatially clustered (Moran's > 0, < 0.05); Kulldorff's scan revealed that the space-time cluster (log-likelihood ratio = 2683.76, relative risk = 1.60, < 0.001) was mainly concentrated in northern Guangxi. Using Bayesian space-time modeling, socioeconomic and healthcare factors are related to the high prevalence of TB.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of TB is influenced by a space-time interaction effect and is associated with socioeconomic and healthcare status. It is necessary to improve the economic development and health service in areas with a high TB prevalence.