Is there gender inequality in the epidemiological profile of tuberculosis?

Background Worldwide, many more males than females were diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) and died from it globally. In light of this, examining the gender differences among patients with TB is crucial to institute effective prevention, coverage and treatment. Aim To analyze gender differences in the epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary specificities of TB in Southern Tunisia. Methods We conducted a retrospective study including all new cases of TB of any age, diagnosed between January 1995 and December 2016. Data were collected from the regional register of TB at the Center of Tuberculosis Control of Sfax, Southern Tunisia. Results We recorded 2771 new cases of TB. The sex ratio was 1.2. We noted 1160 new cases with pulmonary TB (PTB) (41.9%). Males were more likely to have PTB than females (Odds Ratio (OR)=2.5;p Conclusion Our study highlighted higher burden and morbidity in males in TB cases in Southern Tunisia. National TB programs should actively focus on these facts with more routine diagnostic and screening targeting males.