Spatio-temporal Distribution of Tuberculosis and the Effects of Geographical Environmental Factors in China

Abstract Background : Although the World Health Organization reports that the incidence of tuberculosis in China is decreasing year by year, the burden of tuberculosis in China is still very heavy. Understanding the spatial and temporal distribution pattern of tuberculosis in China and its influencing factors will provide effective reference for the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis. Methods: Data of TB incidence from 2005 to 2017 were collected. Time series and global spatial autocorrelation were used to analyze the temporal and spatial distribution pattern of tuberculosis incidence in China, and a new method Geodetector was used to analyze the geographic environmental factors affecting the TB incidence. Results: In addition to 2007 and 2008, the TB incidence decreased in general. TB has a strong spatial aggregation, and the western part of China is the high-value aggregation area of TB incidence. Socio-economic factors fail to pass the significance test. Meteorological factors and air pollution have also been proved to be related to the TB incidence. The interaction between these factors has produced mutually reinforcing effects. Conclusion: The spatial and temporal distribution pattern of tuberculosis in China and the factors affecting its geographical environment are studied in order to provide reference for the formulation of tuberculosis prevention and control policies and increase investment.