Abstract:

Objective: To analyze the chest X-ray screening results and the knowledge of core information on tuberculosis among the elderly in Haizhu District, Guangzhou. Methods: From May to July 2022, a questionnaire survey, pulmonary tuberculosis symptom screening, chest X-ray screening, and health education were conducted among the elderly ≥65 years old from 9 districts in Haizhu District. Based on the data obtained from this screening, statistical analysis were conducted. Results: In 2022, a total of 4435 people aged ≥65 years old in Haizhu District, Guangzhou, completed chest X-ray screening and questionnaire. The male-to-female ratio was 0.77∶1 (male 1923,female 2512). The ages ranged from 65 to 102 years old, average age was (72.08±5.48) years old. There were 291 cases of suspected symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis in the last month, and 490 cases of abnormal chest X-ray results. Among the abnormal chest X-ray cases, 58 cases had suspected symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis, and 6 cases were finally diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis. The detection rate of pulmonary tuberculosis was 135.29/100000. The total awareness rate of tuberculosis core information among 3633 elderly people was 78.29% (14222/18165), of which the awareness rate of “Pulmonary tuberculosis is a serious chronic infections disease” was the lowest, 56.79% (2063/3633). Conclusion: Tuberculosis screening for the elderly ≥65 years old is helpful for the early detection of elderly pulmonary tuberculosis patients; Tuberculosis publicity and education should continue to be strengthened to increase the awareness rate of tuberculosis core information.

Key words: Tuberculosis, pulmonary, Screening, Aged, Questionnaires