Incidence and pattern of tuberculosis treatment success rates in different levels of the human development index: a global perspective

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) treatment success rate remains a public health challenge in many developed and developing countries. The correlation between the incidence and pattern of TB and the Human Development Index (HDI) has not been globally determined. This study aimed to determine the correlation between incidence and pattern of TB treatment success rates and HDI around the world.Methods: In this global perspective, we used data on incidence and treatment success rates of TB and HDI from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Bank, respectively.Results: The highest estimated incidence and lower treatment success rates of TB were restricted to countries with low HDIs. Life expectancy, education level, gross national income, HDI, and urbanisation were significantly associated with both TB incidence and treatment success rates.Conclusion: Patterns in TB incidence and treatment success rates are correlated with Human Development Indices. In addition to following WHO strategies, policy makers need to focus on the social and environmental determinants in order to reduce the TB burden, particularly in low income countries.