Burden of adolescent tuberculosis in Meghalaya, North-East India: Evidence from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5

Since 1962, several infection control programs have been implemented; however, tuberculosis is still an endemic challenge for India. The magnitude of adolescent TB in north-eastern India has not been assessed before. We assessed the self-reported burden and associated factors of adolescent TB in the north-eastern Indian state of Meghalaya. A cross-sectional study design used to analyse secondary data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to assess burden of adolescent TB in Meghalaya. Associated factors of adolescent TB were identified using the chi-squared test. The prevalence of adolescent TB in Meghalaya ranged between 5.3% in the South West Khasi Hills district and 1% in the North Garo Hills district. There was a significant relationship between adolescent TB and factors such as family type ( X ² = 4.5; df = 1; p < 0.05), type of house ( X ² = 16.6; df = 2; p < 0.05), place of residence ( X ² = 6.7; df = 1; p < 0.05), division ( X ² = 36.4; df = 2; p < 0.05), social category ( X ² = 14.2; df =3; p < 0.05), and wealth index ( X ² = 10.9; df =4; p < 0.05). We found that adolescents from non-nuclear families, pucca houses, urban areas, and Khasi Hill Division were more likely to suffer from TB. Similarly, those from Scheduled Castes and the richest quintiles were more likely to suffer from TB. We also found that tobacco users were more likely than non-users to suffer from adolescent TB ( X ² = 4.5; df = 2; p <0.05). Adolescent TB is highly prevalent across all 11 districts of Meghalaya. Several socio-demographic factors and tobacco use have a significant association with adolescent TB. Directions for future research and recommendations to control adolescent TB in Meghalaya are discussed.