Prevalence of tuberculosis respiratory symptoms and associated factors in indigenous, Paraguay (2012)

SARITA AGUIRRE; CELIA MARTINEZ DE CUELLAR; MARÍA BELÉN HERRERO; GUSTAVO CHAMORRO CORTESI; NILDA GIMENEZ DE ROMERO; MIRIAN ALVAREZ; JOSE UELERES BRAGA

MEMóRIAS DO INSTITUTO OSWALDO CRUZ.

FUNDACO OSWALDO CRUZ

Lugar: Rio de Janeiro; Año: 2017 vol. 112 p. 474 - 484

0074-0276

Background: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and tuberculosis among indigenous groups in Paraguay is unknown. Methods: The study aims to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, pulmonary tuberculosis, and associated socio-economic factors, among indigenous Paraguayan population. Indigenous persons, residing in selected communities, were included. 24,352 subjects were interviewed at home, from October to December, 2012. Respiratory symptomatic individuals were defined as people with respiratory symptoms of tuberculosis. A hierarchical Poisson regression was performed to 4 levels: individual characteristics; living conditions and environmental characteristics; how food is obtained; type of nutrition. Findings: 1,383 had respiratory symptomatic (5.7%) but only 10 subjects had culture-confirmed TB (41/100,000 inhabitants). The small number of cases did not allow the study of the risk factors for tuberculosis. Age over 37 years had twofold increased risk for symptoms. Female sex, family history of tuberculosis, type of housing, home heating, not hunting or fishing or making food purchases to obtain food, and no consumption of vegetables were also associated. Lack of cereals consumption was protective. Belonging to Ayoreo or Manjui ethnic groups resulted in a threefold increased risk of symptoms. Main conclusion: Individual features, dietary habits, and belonging to specific ethnic group, are factors associated with respiratory symptoms.