The Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Tuberculosis Transmission and Control in Auta Balefi, Nasarawa State; Implications for Public Health Policy

Abstract

Introduction: The study assessed the influence of socioeconomic factors on tuberculosis transmission and control in Auta- Balefi, Nasarawa State. Three research objectives were formulated to guide the study which include; to assess the prevalence of Tuberculosis (TB) among individuals aged 18years and above in Auta-Balefi; to identify the key socioeconomic factors influencing Tuberculosis (TB) transmission among individuals aged 18 years and above in Auta Balefi and to evaluate the effectiveness of current Tuberculosis (TB) control measures in the context of socioeconomic disparities among individuals aged 18years and above in Auta Balefi.

Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was conducted to assess the prevalence of tuberculosis and its socioeconomic determinants in Auta-Balefi and a structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistical of frequency, percentages and charts were used to analyze the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions with benchmark mean of 2.00 as agreed and otherwise disagreed while inferential statistics of independent samples t-test, PPMCC and ANOVA were used to test the hypotheses at p ≤ 0.05 level of significance.

Result: Findings revealed that significant difference does not exist in access and prevalence of tuberculosis between male and female individuals in Auta Balefi (p = 0.18 > 0.05); socio-economic factors influence the effectiveness of the current tuberculosis control measures in the study area (p = 0.01 < 0.05) and level of education significantly influenced the effectiveness of the current tuberculosis control measures in the study area (p=0.05).

Conclusion: It was therefore concluded that gender may not be a significant factor in tuberculosis prevalence in this region and socio-economic factors significantly influence the effectiveness of tuberculosis control measures in Auta Balefi. I was recommended that public health initiatives in Auta Balefi be made available to focus on equitable access to tuberculosis screening and treatment for both genders and there is need to develop integrated health programs that address socio-economic determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare services and targeted educational programs that enhance awareness about tuberculosis, its treatment, and the importance of adherence to medication be implemented.