Characteristics of tuberculosis contact of children with pulmonary tuberculosis

Abstract

Background Children with tuberculosis (TB) are often
asymptomatic, so that if TB is diagnosed in a child, an adult contact
should be looked for. We realize the importance of TB control by
breaking the chain of transmission, so identification of contact and
prompt treatment should be made.
Objective To trace contact of children with pulmonary tuberculosis
(PTB) and to determine the environmental characteristics
associated with TB transmission.
Methods Prospective, community based descriptive study was
done in 80 children with newly diagnosed PTB treated at
Pediatric Pulmonary Ward, Kariadi Hospital, from September
2003 to February 2004. Clinical condition, chest x-ray (CXR),
acid fast bacilli (AFB) staining of sputum, and environmental
characteristics of adults suspected as TB contact were
examined. Data were analyzed by uni- and bivariate analysis
using SPSS 11.5.
Results Eighty adults with suspected TB were enrolled, 90% were
household contacts. There were 63 (79%) confirmed TB contacts
in rural and urban area. Fathers were predominates (32%)
followed by grandparents (26.3%), relatives (18.7%), and mothers
(12.5%). There was no significant difference about internal
(household) and external (non-household) family contacts
between rural and urban area (P=1.000). In urban area, home
transmission is more frequent than rural area (P=0.340). In urban
area, the contacts had a better perception but had no better
attitude toward treatment, although the difference was not
significant. Behavior was worsen in rural area (P=0.214). Poor
behavior seldom occurred in those who had enough knowledge
of TB, although the difference was not statistically significant
(P=0.352). In the urban area, the house of contacts had lower
sleeping density (P=0.282), poor ventilation (P=0.306), and higher
room temperature (P=0.683). There were no differences in the
light intensity and humidity.
Conclusion There were 79% confirmed TB contacts in rural and
urban area with male predominant. There was no significant
difference between household and non-household contacts in
rural and urban area. There are different characteristics, such as
knowledge, perception, attitude towards treatment, and behavior
associated with TB transmission between contacts in the rural
and urban area, and between lower, middle, and higher socio-
economic level, although the difference is not significant