Tuberculosis in Tennessee – At Risk Populations

Background:

Tuberculosis (TB) is among the top 10 causes of world illness, death, disability, and years of potential life lost overall(WHO 2001)

Approximately two million TB- related deaths are reported worldwide (CDC)

In 2007, a 16 % decrease in TB case rate was recorded in state of Tennessee (TN). However, in Davidson County, the rates still remain double over the state and national rates. The purpose of this study is to identify high risk populations in TN so that educational and environmental policy changes can be implemented to decrease the TB rate in Davidson and other state counties.

Methodology:

The most current data on all 95 TN counties (2007) was collected from US Census Bureau and TN Institute of Public Health.

Dependent variables: TB cases /100,000

Independent variables: Race, gender, smoking prevalence, high school graduates, STD cases/100,000, diabetes, unemployed and uninsured.

Statistical Model: Linear regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between TB and independent variables. Model assumptions were closely verified and model fitting was assessed. Variables with the problem of collinearity were omitted to get a better model.

Conclusion: This empirical study found the modeling fitting was moderate with R squared value of .53. Asian and black races along with behavior habits like smoking prevalence and binge drinking significantly contributed to TB. However, raw data related to important variables such as homelessness, incarceration, HIV and country of origin were not readily available.