[Epidemiological profile of tuberculosis in a health area of the Valencian Community (1998-2000)].
OBJECTIVE
To find the epidemiological characteristics of cases of tuberculosis (TB) notified in Health Area 09 of the Valencian Community during 1998-2000.Design. Descriptive, observational, epidemiological study.


METHODS
Unit of epidemiology in the Public Health Centre of Alzira, Area 09 of the Valencian Community.Participants. Cases of TB that met the clinical or bacteriological definitions according to the protocols of the National Network of Epidemiology Protection.


RESULTS
The epidemiological questionnaire for TB declaration in the Valencian Community was used. The variables included were: sex, age, town, risk factors, associated pathology, location, origin and study of contacts. A univariate statistical analysis was run, with the SPSS version 9.01. Cases numbered 118. The rate of annual occurrence ranged between 25.5 per 100 000 in 1999 and 43.5 per 100 000 in 1998, similar to that in the year 2000 (42.5 per 100 000). 64.4% were men and 26.3% were between 25 and 34 years old. 64.4% were admitted. There was a study of contacts in 73.7%. 78% of cases were declared by the referral hospital.


CONCLUSIONS
TB in Area 09 was concentrated in young adults needing hospital admission. TB declaration was usually made from the hospital.
Molina Quilis
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Centro de Salud Pública de Alzira, Alzira (Valencia), Spain. rosa.carbo@sanidad.m400.gva.es
Carbó Malonda
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RM
Miralles Espí
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MT
Fernández García
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C
Pérez Pérez
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000453:epidemiology*