title: [Evaluation of a strategy for the control of tuberculosis in a health district of andalusia, Spain].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tuberculosis in Spain and Andalusia, the incidence rates above those of surrounding countries. Many authors emphasize the need for improved epidemiological information, the organization of health services and social support to patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results obtained after developing a strategy involving the three elements outlined in the Primary Care District of Andalusia.
  
  
  METHODS
  We followed up to 234 TB patients residing in the District and reported to the Epidemiological Surveillance System of Andalusia during the period 2004-2008. Were considered as indicators for evaluating the percentage of patients who completed treatment, the percentage of smear-positive contacts with study, new cases detected in the same and the incidence in children under 15 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 234 patients were followed up cash 95% of them completed treatment 182 (78%) died 18, moved from home, 10 and 12 still remained in treatment. Of the 130 cases that presented positive sputum studied 112 contacts (86%). 27 new cases were detected among the contacts studied, and the annual incidence in children under 15 years was 6.65 per 100,000 population. Tracking losses were reduced by 30%, and terminations of treatment and contact studies improved by 25% and 30% respectively compared to data from the whole of Andalusia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The strategy has helped improve the proposed assessment indicators. The% of new cases detected in studies of contacts and the annual incidence in children under 15 years was similar in this study than in Andalusia.
authors.affiliation: Distrito Sanitario Aljarafe, Sevilla, España.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Luna Sánchez
authors.forename: Beatriz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Romero Romero
authors.forename: Sebastián
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Expósito García
authors.forename: Ana María
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Mata Martín
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008875:Middle Aged; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control