ABSTRACT Aim: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a significant threat to community health. This study aimed to ascertain risk factors that contribute to the high incidence of MDR-TB.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed, in which 55 MDR-TB and 55 non-MDR-TB patients were included. Patients were identified based on their sputum examination and culture sensitivity report. Detailed data regarding possible risk factors were taken from the patients and analyzed in SPSS v. 24. Regression analysis was done to explore the association between potential risk factors and MDR-TB. Results: Results of this study indicate the statistically significant association of patients age <40 years (p = 0.005), prior TB treatment (p = 0.005), contact with TB patients (p= 0.002), illiterate for health education (p = 0.01) and diabetes (p<0.01) with MDR-TB cases. However, gender, family history for TB, monthly income, smoking history, and alcohol consumption were not significantly associated with MDR-TB. An independent association of MDR TB with age less than 40 years (p = 0.01), patients had prior TB treatment (p< 0.001), and diabetes (p< 0.001) was observed.
Conclusion: In light of these results, practices to control MDR-TB should stress on the adequate treatment of TB; patients should be informed of the consequences if they do not adhere to the guidelines of therapy.
