Epidemiological investigation of tuberculosis and the knowledge level of tuberculosis prevention and control in the residents of town in Guangzhou.

Objective To perform epidemiological study on tuberculosis in Guangzhou and to provide scientific basis for making proper measures for the prevention and control of tuberculosis. Methods Method of random sampling in the whole group of the 6 inspected spots was used in this study. The professional investigation teams were organized to carry out the relevant investigation. Tuberculin , X-ray and the tubercular bacteriain sputum were used in the diagnosis of TB. Basic questions, including the knowledge on the disease prevention,symptom, route of transmission and the therapeutic measure, were included in the questionnaire. Results A total of 10,923 subjects were studied. 22 cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis and 2 cases of infectious pulmonary tuberculosis were found. The morbidity rate was 201.41 / 105. The sputum-positive rate was 18.31 / 105. Awareness rate of knowledge on tuberculosis prevention and control was 52.5%. Conclusion There was a tendency of increase in tuberculosis in the town of Guangzhou. Health education should be given particularly to the female subjects, adolescent, elderly and individuals with low education level.