Risk Factors and Prevalence of Tuberculosis in Urban Slum Populations of Kishorgonj, Bangladesh

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is the major cause of mortality and morbidity among infectious diseases. Globally, an estimated 10 million people develop TB and over a million deaths occur annually. It remains a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries with suboptimal sanitation and healthcare infrastructure. Objective: This study aims to identify risk factors and determine the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) among urban slum populations in Kishorgonj, Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2024, involving several slum areas in Kishorgonj. A total of 43 confirmed TB cases were included. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and clinical examinations. Risk factors analyzed included demographic details, socioeconomic status, living conditions, and history of TB contact. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, prevalence calculation, odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Results: The study found the prevalence of TB ranging from 4.0% to 10.0% across different slum areas. Significant risk factors included a history of TB contact (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.5-6.7), poor living conditions (OR: 4.1, 95% CI: 2.0-8.4), and malnutrition (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2-5.2). Smoking, lack of formal education, unemployment, and temporary housing were also associated with increased TB risk but to a lesser extent. Conclusion: The study highlights the high prevalence of TB in urban slum populations and identifies key risk factors. Addressing poor living conditions, malnutrition, and inadequate housing could significantly reduce TB incidence in these communities. Targeted public health interventions are needed to improve living standards and prevent TB spread.