Assesment risk factor for tuberculosis transmission among children: Case study in Medan

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious illness caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and can affect individuals of all age groups. According to the Global Tuberculosis Report in 2022, approximately 1.2 million children and adolescents under the age of 15 were diagnosed with TB. Additionally, a significant increase in TB incidence among children in Indonesia was observed, rising from 42,187 cases in 2021 to 100,726 new cases in 2022. Based on Riskesdas data from 2018, North Sumatra ranks second among provinces with the highest incidence of tuberculosis cases. The aim of this study was to identify the risk variables associated with the occurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis in children residing in Medan. An analytical observational study with a case-control study design was employed. The results indicated that TB cases were present in 21 out of 42 community health centers in Medan city. Participants included children aged 5-14 years and parents with incomes below the Minimum Wage. The majority of the participants had parents who smoked, were exposed to contact transmission, and lived in inadequate housing conditions. The findings also revealed that transmission through direct contact was the primary and most significant risk factor for TB among the children. The risk factors for tuberculosis transmission among children were identified as gender, number of persons living per room, and a history of contact with TB sufferers. It is recommended that efforts be made to prioritize contact tracing, community education, family intervention, and continuous surveillance to strengthen contact tracing programs.