Analysis on the epidemic characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in Henan Province from 2004 to 2011

Objective To explore the epidemic characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in Henan Province,China,so as to provide evidence for making preventive and control strategies.Methods Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the epidemic characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in Henan province from 2004 to 2011.Circular distribution was used to analyze the seasonal characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis.Results 781 027 cases were reported in Henan province during 2004-2011.The average of yearly incidence rate was 103.48 /100 000.There were significant differences in the incidence rate in different years(Ⅹ2= 40 071.97,P 0.001).The highest and lowest incidence were in June and January,respectively.Circular distribution showed that the peak date was June 7th;the peak incidence was from January 26th to October 17th.The incidence rates for males was significantly higher than that for females,there were significant differences between males and females(Ⅹ2= 112 060.00,P 0.001).Incidence rates were rather high in young adults and the elderly.Farmers had the highest incidence in all occupations,and case number was 586 065,accounting for 75.04% of all cases.Conclusions Pulmonary tuberculosis in Henan province is sporadic.Male,young adults and the elderly are high risk groups.Rural areas are the focus for prevention and control.Outbreaks mainly happen in schools and other crowed places.