A statistical–retrospective study of pulmonary tuberculosis in Iraqi Kurdistan Governorates

Abstract

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is still a global problem and serious epidemic disease and leads to a high death rate especially in developing countries, partially due to problematic ecological situation. The aim of this study to verifying the numbers and percentages of individuals infected with PTB in Iraqi Kurdistan Governorates 2019. A statistical–retrospective study was carried out to investigate the numbers and percentages of individuals infected with PTB in three provinces in Iraqi Kurdistan; Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Duhok from the 1st January to 31st December 2019. All essential details of annual data for PTB patients were obtained from the National Center of PTB in Baghdad Governorate, Iraq. A total of 639 cases were recorded in 2019; 295 male (46.1%) and 344 female (53.9%). Erbil Governorate had the highest number of infections with 302 cases (47.2%) followed by Sulaymaniyah and Duhok with 214 (33.5%) and 123 (19.3%) respectively, the most cases were recorded in 2nd quarter with 170 cases (26.6%). The highest frequency of PTB was recorded in age groups 65–80 with 123 cases (19.2%) while the lowest was 5–14 with 20 cases (3.1%). Pulmonary TB remains a threat in Iraqi Kurdistan and about half of cases have been recorded in Erbil Governorate. The highest frequency of PTB was in females than males and the older age groups were the most infected. Therefore, we need more precautionary measures to control this disease.