OBJECTIVE: To examine gender differences in sputum submission and sputum smear positivity. METHODS: Laboratory registers in all diagnostic units in eight districts in Malawi were examined for the years 1995 and 1996. RESULTS: During a 12-month period (averaged between 1995 and 1996), 26,624 new TB suspects submitted sputum samples, 3282 of which (12.3%) were smear-positive. Significantly more males submitted sputum (52%) compared with females (48%), and significantly more males (53%) were smear-positive compared with females (47%, P < 0.05). Rates of sputum submission per 100,000 adults were also significantly higher for males (1203) than females (1032). CONCLUSION: In Malawi, fewer females are submitting sputum samples and are being diagnosed with smear-positive TB compared with males.
OBJECTIVE: To examine gender differences in sputum submission and sputum smear positivity. METHODS: Laboratory registers in all diagnostic units in eight districts in Malawi were examined for the years 1995 and 1996. RESULTS: During a 12-month period (averaged between 1995 and 1996), 26,624 new TB suspects submitted sputum samples, 3282 of which (12.3%) were smear-positive. Significantly more males submitted sputum (52%) compared with females (48%), and significantly more males (53%) were smear-positive compared with females (47%, P < 0.05). Rates of sputum submission per 100,000 adults were also significantly higher for males (1203) than females (1032). CONCLUSION: In Malawi, fewer females are submitting sputum samples and are being diagnosed with smear-positive TB compared with males.
Authors: C Feldacker; H Tweya; O Keiser; R Weigel; M Kalulu; L Fenner; M Egger; E Manda; J B Mwafilaso; C Kamba; S Phiri Journal: Trop Med Int Health Date: 2012-07-19 Impact factor: 2.622
Authors: Mercedes C Becerra; Iliana F Pachao-Torreblanca; Jaime Bayona; Rosa Celi; Sonya S Shin; Jim Yong Kim; Paul E Farmer; Megan Murray Journal: Public Health Rep Date: 2005 May-Jun Impact factor: 2.792
Authors: C R Miller; J L Davis; A Katamba; A Sserwanga; S Kakeeto; F Kizito; A Cattamanchi Journal: Int J Tuberc Lung Dis Date: 2013-04 Impact factor: 2.373