The prevalence of tuberculin skin positivity among Greek army recruits

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The prevalence of tuberculin skin positivity among Greek army recruits

Journal Title: Αρχεία Ελληνικής Ιατρικής - Year 2012, Vol 29, Issue 3

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Although the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) is declining, it remains one of the leading causes of death among infectious diseases worldwide. In this study, the prevalence and predictors of tuberculin skin testing (TST) positivity were analyzed among Greek army recruits. METHOD The study population consisted of 3,684 men aged 18−43 years recruited into the Greek army between November 2010 and February 2011. TST was performed on all recruits on enrollment, according to established procedures. A TST reaction size >=15 mm was considered positive. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight) were performed using standard techniques. Data on age, place of residence, and educational level were collected. RESULTS The mean age of the recruits was 23.2±2.8 years. TST positivity prevalence was 1.4% (52/3,684), and bivariable analysis and backward, stepwise multivariable logistic regression showed that the sociodemographic characteristics did not vary with TST positivity. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of TST positivity among Greek male army recruits is very low (1.4%). The percentage of TST positivity has continued to decrease in Greece over the last 30 years in spite of a surge of immigrants from countries with high TB infection rates.

Authors and Affiliations

G. MICHAS, I. DROSATOS, M. KOKOLIOS, A. KAMPOURAS, R. MICHA

Keywords

tuberculin skin test

EP ID EP140417
DOI -
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