Tuberculosis among Students of Jimma University

Abstract

Background: Prospective studies among nursing and medical students have shown that Tuberculosis (TB) is an occupational hazard. Though TB commonly occurs in students of Jimma University its actual prevalence is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Tuberculosis in Jimma University and describe the different clinical presentations and assess factors associated with the acquisition of the disease.

Methods: A three year retrospective analysis of Tuberculosis (TB) patients who attended the student's clinic of Jimma University (formerly called Jimma Institute of Health Sciences) was conducted. It is aimed to determine the prevalence of TB in the students and describe the clinical presentations and factors associated with the acquisition of TB. Data were retrieved from the individual medical records and patients were interviewed to supplement missed major variables.

Results: The overall prevalence of TB in the student population was 2.2% (19/2212). Out of the total 19 cases, 12 (87.2%) were analyzed. Majority had Pulmonary TB, 83.3%, Group specific prevalence was highest in the Environmental Health students (4.3%) followed by medical students (2.9%) and Pharmacy students (2.8%). Nursing students and medical Laboratory students each had prevalence of 1.9% and 1.7% respectively. Prevalence of TB in medical students who had patient contact for training was 7.9% (8/428), and in those with no contact it has nearly doubled3.7%(19/510). One third of the patients (16/19) gave history of contact to chronic cougher. Among which the great majority (11/16) had the contact in the university

Conclusion: In conclusion, TB has affected students of all categories of studies irrespective of contact to TB patients in the hospital during professional training. Contact in the campus to students who have TB seems to be one of the major factors responsible for the acquisition of TB.