Spatial distribution of tuberculosis disease among men and women in Bandung city, Indonesia

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a serious health problem particularly in developing countries caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs. Tuberculosis is curable and preventable. In general, tuberculosis (TB) incidences rates are usually higher in men than in women, but it has similar spatial distribution with a very high positive correlation. This study evaluated the spatial distribution of Tuberculosis Disease among men and women in Bandung City, Indonesia by means Bayesian shared component model. We found the joint effects dominated the spatial variation of TB for men and women which indicates there are similar risk factors that influence the spatial distribution of TB for men and women. The factors could be a health facility, health behaviours, and environmental factors. By knowing, the spatial pattern of TB for men and women, the government may use this information to develop an effective and efficient strategy to control TB transmission.