Analysis of Risk Factors for the Prevalence of Tuberculosis in Latvia. Summary of the Doctoral Thesis

Abstract

Tuberculosis always is linked to poverty, overcrowding and malnutrition. Historically, this disease mostly affected the most vulnerable part of the society – people with lower socioeconomic statuss and those subdued by harmful habits. Nowadays, despite the advances in medicine and solving social problems, topicality of tuberculosis in recent years has not diminished neither in Latvia nor in the world. Tuberculosis is still widespread throughout the world. Annually, 8–9 million people anew get ill with tuberculosis, but many more are infected. Tuberculosis is second most important infectious cause of death after HIV/AIDS. Development history of tuberculosis shows examples that incidence of the disease decreased prior first medicine against the disease was discovered. Such a positive effect was achieved by reducing the risk of disease exposure on individuals – people’s living and working conditions were improved, as well improved conditions of hygiene and sanitation. Thus, being aware of the risk and decreasing negative impact of factors, attenuation of morbidity in the society can be accomplished. Within the framework of thesis are being covered main health affecting factors, their models, identifying groups of factors most strongly affecting the health. According to the studies published in scientific literature, tuberculosis risk factors are being summarized and classified, their significance and impact strength in other countries. With the help of quantitative research has been clarified significance of risk of a disease conditions and risk factors identified in the literature, both on the individual level and society level in Latvia; most important risk factors have been clarified, which most affect the onset of tuberculosis; and considering interaction of risk conditions and risk factors, expression scheme of TB risk conditions and risk factors impact, that visually illustrates the process of interaction, was developed. Based on the main results of the research, in the perspective of risk conditions and risk factors affecting disease, key recommendations for TB prevention have been developed.