Risk factors for mortality and multidrug resistance in pulmonary tuberculosis in Guatemala: A retrospective analysis of mandatory reporting

Background Risk factors for mortality and MDR-TB in Guatemala are poorly understood. We aimed to identify risk factors to assist in targeting public health interventions. Methods We performed a retrospective study of adults with pulmonary TB reported to the Guatemalan TB Program between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017. The primary objective was to determine risk factors for mortality in pulmonary TB. The secondary objective was to determine risk factors associated with MDR-TB. Results Among 3,945 patients with pulmonary TB, median age was 39 years (IQR 25-54), 59% were male, 25% of indigenous ethnicity, 1.1% had MDR-TB and 3.9% died. On multivariable analysis, previous TB treatment (odds ratio [OR] 3.57, CI 2.24-5.68 [p Conclusions In Guatemala, both previous TB treatment and indigenous ethnicity were associated with higher TB mortality and MDR-TB risk among patients with pulmonary TB.