Socio-environmental determinants of tuberculosis in South Africa

Correlation analysis and trend analysis were employed to study the interaction of tuberculosis (TB) incidence with other socio environmental variables in South Africa from 2000 to 2020. The data were obtained from the United Nations database and World Development Indicators. Malnutrition, air pollution (PM2.5), population density, and urbanization were vital variables under study. Findings showed population density and malnutrition to be strongly and positively correlated with case detection of TB, and both correlations were statistically significant. Urbanization was weakly negatively correlated, whereas air pollution was weakly, non significantly positively correlated. Findings also showed overcrowding and undernutrition to be at the core of TB in South Africa. The study emphasized the need for specific interventions in food programs and shelter to check TB transmission and improve public health. The results highlighted the importance of integrating socio-environmental considerations into tuberculosis control policy to effectively manage the disease burden in high-risk environments.