Prevalence of Tuberculosis Infection in Pregnant Women attending the Outpatient Gynecology Department: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Although maternal tuberculosis (TB) is often overlooked and underestimated, it remains a major global public health issue. The estimated prevalence of TB among pregnant women is 2.3 per thousand, and literature suggests a rising incidence of active TB infections during pregnancy and the postnatal period worldwide. Objective: To explore the prevalence of tuberculosis infection among pregnant women visiting the outpatient Department (OPD) of Gynecology Department. Methodology: The current cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Gynecology, District Headquarter Hospital, Narowal from January 2020 to February 2021. A total of 2500 pregnant women who visited the OPD were examined for tuberculosis. Patients were assessed for clinical symptoms, and diagnostic tests were conducted, including sputum analysis for acid-fast bacilli and chest X-rays, especially in cases with advanced pulmonary diseases symptoms. Further diagnostic tests, such as GeneXpert testing were also utilized for comprehensive evaluation. EPI info (version 7.2) was used for the collection, compilation, and analysis of the data. Percentages were used to express qualitative variables. Mean and standard deviations were used to describe the quantitative variables. The approval of the current study was taken from the ethical and research committee of the DHQ hospital Narowal. Results: Out of the total participants, 35 (1.4%) patients were diagnosed with TB. Amongst the 35 participants diagnosed with TB, 26 (74.28%) had pulmonary TB and 9 (25.17%) cases were detected with extra pulmonary Tuberculosis. The overall prevalence of Tubercular lymphadenitis was 13%, abdominal TB 6%, TB meningitis 4.16%, intestinal TB 1.42% and Pot’s spine was observed in 1.42% patients. Chronic cough with expectoration was the most prevalent symptom in 24 (68.5%) followed by fever in 20 (57.14%). Conclusion: The prevalence of tuberculosis infection among pregnant observed in our study was 1.4%. Therefore, proper screening of pregnant women is vital for TB diagnosis.