Spatiotemporal epidemiology, geographic hotspots, and risk factor associations of drug-resistant tuberculosis incidence in Indonesia: a Bayesian hierarchical modelling approach

BACKGROUND: Indonesia ranks among the countries with the highest burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), contributing approximately 7.4% of global cases, many of which are likely underdiagnosed. To support targeted public health surveillance and control efforts, this study aimed to characterize the spatiotemporal distribution of DR-TB incidence in Indonesia, identify geographic hotspots, and examine associations with health system and socioeconomic factors. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide retrospective analysis using annual DR-TB notification data from 2017 to 2022 across all 514 districts, obtained from the national tuberculosis information system. Multivariable Bayesian spatiotemporal regression models were fitted under alternative likelihood assumptions and space-time random effect structures. Model selection criteria were used to identify the best-fitting models for hotspot detection and estimation of risk factor associations. RESULTS: DR-TB predominantly affected individuals aged 25-54 years, aligning with the working-age population. Hotspots were concentrated in urbanized regions, including the Jabodetabek megacity, Greater Surabaya, and districts in South Sumatra. The best-fitting model identified a protective association between first-line treatment success rates and DR-TB incidence [incidence rate ratio (IRR): 0.508; 95% credible interval (CrI): 0.368-0.702]. In contrast, DR-TB incidence was positively associated with the proportion of the population living below the poverty line (IRR: 1.028; 95% CrI: 1.013-1.044), households with improved sanitation access (IRR: 1.006; 95% CrI: 1.002-1.010), and increased municipal human development index (IRR: 1.068; 95% CrI: 1.049-1.094). CONCLUSIONS: DR-TB hotspots were primarily concentrated in urban areas, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Improving first-line tuberculosis treatment success rates and addressing socioeconomic drivers, such as poverty, are critical for controlling DR-TB. Public health policies should prioritize workplace-based support for improving treatment adherence, provide safeguards for TB patients affected by poverty, and underscore the importance of a multisectoral TB surveillance and control program.