Prevalence and Characteristics of Tuberculosis in the Korean Homeless Population Based on Nationwide Tuberculosis Screening.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The government of Korea implemented a strategy of prevention and early diagnosis in high-risk groups to reduce the tuberculosis (TB) burden. This study aims to investigate the TB epidemiology and gap in understanding of TB prevalence among homeless individuals by analyzing active TB chest X-ray (CXR) screening results in Korea.

Methods

The Korean National Tuberculosis Association conducted active TB screening with CXR for homeless groups from January 1 to December 31, 2021. Sputum acid-fast bacilli smear and culture were performed for the subjects suggestive of TB on CXR. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the data in comparison with the national health screening results from the general population.

Results

Among 17,713 homeless persons, 40 (0.23%),

SUBMITTER: Han H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11468438 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature