Trends and patterns of tuberculosis: interpretations and prospects of tuberculosis control in Vojvodina, Yugoslavia, 1987-2000.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the trends and pattern of tuberculosis in Vojvodina, Yugoslavia.


METHODS
Using a retrospective design, data on 393 diagnosed TB cases were investigated for the years 1987, 1993 and 2000.


RESULTS
TB case notification has been increasing in Vojvodina. The number of reported TB cases was 146 in 1987, 101 in 1993 and 146 in 2000; cases were predominantly in the age group 20-39 years (44.5%) in 1987, compared to the 40-59 year age group in 1993 and 2000 (38.6% and 45.9%, respectively). The majority of patients belonged to lower socio-economic groups. Manifestations of TB such as cough, weight loss and exhaustion were common. With the increasing trend of alcoholism from 1987 to 2000, delays in reporting were noticed. TB-related mortality was 1.4% in 1987 and 4.1% in 2000. Resistance to TB drugs among previously treated cases was 2.7% in 1987, 0.9% in 1993 and 2.7% in 2000. With respect to the increasing resistance, the levels of detection and surveillance were poor. The implementation of the DOTS strategy remained fairly low.


CONCLUSIONS
TB is a chronic problem in Vojvodina. Prompt community-oriented actions need to be taken to improve case detection and cure rates through DOTS.
Section of International Public Health, Sremska Kamenica, Yugoslavia.
M
M
Ilic
M I
MI
Khan
V
V
Kuruc
S
S
Pavlovic
M
M
Kristoforovic-Ilic
U
U
Laaser
D023801:Directly Observed Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015022:Yugoslavia / Q000453:epidemiology