Chronic and Communicable Diseases – Tuberculosis

Chronic and Communicable Diseases – Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis Disparities

Tuberculosis, a global health concern, disproportionately affects developing countries, standing in stark contrast to the lower incidence in more developed nations. This phenomenon is rooted in a complex interplay of social, economic, and healthcare factors. In developing countries, limited access to healthcare infrastructure is a critical factor. Diagnostic tools and treatment facilities are often scarce, hindering early detection and effective management. Poverty exacerbates the issue, as malnutrition and overcrowded living conditions weaken immune systems, making individuals more susceptible to TB (Natarajan et al., 2020). Inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices further facilitate the transmission of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria.

Several risk factors contribute to the higher occurrence of TB in these regions. Poverty stands out as a central determinant, limiting access to nutrition and healthcare services. Overcrowded living conditions create environments where TB can easily spread, given the close contact among individuals (Natarajan et al., 2020). Moreover, the coexistence of TB and HIV is more prevalent in developing countries, as HIV weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to TB.

Global Strategies for TB Control

Early detection and diagnosis are pivotal. Implementing affordable and accessible diagnostic tools in developing regions is crucial, alongside efforts to enhance laboratory infrastructure. Access to treatment must be improved, ensuring the availability and accessibility of anti-TB medications (Harris, 2013). Strategies such as directly observed therapy (DOT) programs can reduce treatment abandonment.

Vaccination programs, particularly the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, should be promoted and expanded, especially in high-risk regions. Public health education plays a vital role in raising awareness about TB transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures, encouraging early healthcare-seeking behaviour (Harris, 2013). Moreover, strengthening healthcare systems in developing countries is imperative. This involves investing in infrastructure, training healthcare workers, and improving supply chains for medications. Addressing social determinants, such as poverty, malnutrition, and overcrowded living conditions, requires comprehensive socioeconomic development programs (Harris, 2013).

Additionally, international collaboration is key to success. Developed and developing nations must collaborate to share knowledge, resources, and best practices. Only through a multifaceted and collaborative approach can the global community effectively prevent control, and treat tuberculosis, ensuring health equity across nations.

References

Harris, R. E. (2013). Epidemiology of chronic disease. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett.

Natarajan, A., Beena, P. M., Devnikar, A. V., & Mali, S. (2020). A systemic review on tuberculosis. Indian Journal of Tuberculosis, 67(3), 295-311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijtb.2020.02.005

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INSTRUCTION: Responses should be at least 200 words or more. You must research answers and all answers must include reading citations, with page numbers, parenthetical style (Author, Date: page#), and the source listed in APA style at the end of the post.

Chronic and Communicable Diseases – Tuberculosis

1. Tuberculosis is seen in much higher levels in developing countries versus developed countries. (CLO 2& 5)
*Why is this phenomena occurring?
*Which risk factors have the greatest impact on this occurrence?

2. Discuss global strategies for the prevention, control and treatment of tuberculosis. (CLO 6)

Textbook: Harris, R. E. (2013). Epidemiology of chronic disease. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett.
ISBN-13: 978-1449653286 ISBN-10: 1449653286

Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 45