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Tuberculosis
in Hong Kong
Hong
Kong Med J 2003;9:83-90
The notification rate for tuberculosis
in Hong Kong declined significantly between 1950 and 1990. Since
1996, however, there has been an increase in the notification rate.
A study conducted by the Tuberculosis and Chest Service, Department
of Health revealed that the overall treatment completion rate in
Hong Kong is affected by non-adherence of patients.
The study analysed medical records
of 5757 patients who registered at the Department of Health for
treatment of tuberculosis from 1 January 1996 to 31 December 1996.
It was found that approximately one third of patients were aged
60 years or older, and almost 70% were male. There was also excess
risk of disease among patients who had silicosis. 16.4% of the patients
had concomitant illnesses such as diabetes, liver disease, and lung
cancer etc.
In many countries, acquired HIV infection has been found to be the
major reason for the resurgence of tuberculosis. In this study of
the local population, however, only 0.1% of patients were co-infected
with HIV infection.
The overall treatment completion rates
at 12 and 24 months were 80.4% and 84.8%, respectively. The treatment
success rate is slightly short of the WHO goal of 85%. Males and
patients aged 60 years or older had lower treatment completion rates.
Non-adherence, transfer to other services, and mortality among the
elderly were key factors influencing treatment outcomes.
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