There has been increasing interest in the potential association between occupation and the risk of tuberculosis (TB). The magnitude of risk of occupationally related TB is unclear up to date. To identify occupations with elevated TB mortality, we conducted a proportionate mortality ratio (PMR)analysis using the national multiple cause of death data available from the National Center for Health Statistics for the years 1987 to 1996. Twenty-four states have contributed coded data, including the usual occupation of the decedent. Age-adjusted PMRs for TB by occupation were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. Crushing and grinding machine operators have the highest elevated risk of TB (PMR=4.8, 95% CI=2.5-8.1). Several construction occupations had elevated PMRs, including construction labores (PMR=2.4, 95% CI=2.1-2.7) and brickmasons and stonemasons (PMR=2.0, 95% CI=1.4-2.7). Thus, these PMR analyses indentified several occupations at increased risk of mortality from TB. We also have reviewed TB mobidity reported from 50 strates during the period 1996-1998. Of all TB incidence cases with information on occupation, the proportion of TB cases among health care workers increased by 7.1% during this perod. The findings from this study may provide useful information to develop appropriate strategies for TB intervention/prevention for workers with increased risk in the workplace.
Keywords: Tuberculosis,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.