Characteristics and Risk Factors in Pediatric Tuberculosis Patients at Pasirian Hospital, Lumajang, East Java

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis is a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Malnutrition is also a significant risk factor in developing pediatric tuberculosis. Indonesia is one of the top four high-burden countries for tuberculosis listed by the WHO. The prevalence of pediatric tuberculosis is about 1% of the total population. However, the data on the majority of risk factors for pediatric tuberculosis in Indonesia is still scarce. Aim: This research aims to describe the risk factors for pediatric tuberculosis in Indonesia. Method: This is a single-centre, cross-sectional research involving pediatric tuberculosis patients who underwent treatment in Pasirian Hospital, East Java. We collected demographical data and risk factors for pediatric tuberculosis using questionnaires and data from medical records. Result: The most prevalent risk factors for pediatric tuberculosis is contact with the positive case (87.1%), Lymph node enlargement (77.4%), and positive radiological finding (74.2%). Conclusion: This study describes the risk factors associated with pediatric tuberculosis in Pasirian Hospital. The result of the study shows that most patients had contact with positive cases, enlarged lymph nodes, and positive radiological findings.