부산대학교 도서관

Background The second category of tuberculosis (TB) patients present a tremendous problem for each subsequent treatment of tuberculosis and for society. The possibility of the appearance of resistant forms among these patients is more certain nowadays. The aim of this study was to analyze the possible problems that influence the Results of therapy among patients who belong to the second category. Methods This research included a 16-year period (from 2005 to 2020) at the Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina (Serbia). The effects of treatment were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results There were 223 treated patients in the second category; 17.1% of them were without elementary school education. Almost 50% were unemployed, while every fifth patient was an alcoholic or socially disadvantaged (compared to newly registered p=0.029). In the group of 45-64 years of age, there were 2/3 (149) of patients. Every third patient was treated for TB in youth, while 12% were treated for TB in the previous year. Most patients in this category had previous TB treatment - once (195, 87.4%) or twice (23, 10.3%). Extended regimens were implemented in almost 23% of patients (compared to newly registered p=0.018), while interrupted treatment as an outcome was observed in 21.3% of patients (p=0.008). Independent predictors for belonging to the second category were patients with/without elementary school (RR 1.278; 95% CI (1.108 - 2.573); p=0.032) and patients with alcoholic abuse (RR 2.806; 95% CI (1.683-4.758); p=0.029). Multivariate analysis identified the level of education as an independent predictor for being in the second category. Conclusions Vulnerable populations who were previously treated for TB need continuous monitoring with the aim of preventing resistant forms of the disease.