Spatial distribution of tuberculosis in Texas

Neighborhoods in unincorporated areas, called “Colonias” exist on the US-Mexico border and have more than double the national Tuberculosis (TB) average rate. The purpose of this research is to compare the spatial distribution of TB rates and risk factors from a political ecology and place vulnerability framework in the Texas-Mexico border and non-border regions at the county level. Furthermore, this research serves to create an index of risk factors to be used for geographic prediction of higher than average TB rates. Data was compiled from four different sources: Texas Department of Health Services (TDHS) for TB data (2007-2011), Vital Web for disease mortality data, The United States Census bureau for housing variables, and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for Medically Underserved Areas (MUA) data. Arc GIS 10.1 and SPSS were used to conduct analysis.In the linear regression model, lack of plumbing, high occupancy, diabetes, and alcoholism were significant predictors of TB five-year average rates. In the logistic regression model, high occupancy, Hispanic population, mortgage greater than 35% of income, MUA score, and under 18 years of age were significant predictors of TB rates higher than the state rate. Housing, co-morbidity, and access to healthcare variables were combined to create an index for TB rates above the state average. This research serves as a catalyst for discussion of place vulnerability and the political ecology of TB on the US-Mexico border. The TB index provides researchers with a baseline to predict areas of vulnerability for high rates of TB.