Increased Incidence of Tuberculosis in Zimbabwe, in Association with Food Insecurity, and Economic Collapse: An Ecological Analysis

摘要: Background Zimbabwe underwent a socioeconomic crisis and resultant increase in food insecurity 2008–9. The impact of the on Tuberculosis (TB) incidence is unknown. Methods Prospective databases from two mission hospitals, which were geographically widely separated, remained open during crisis, reviewed. Results At Howard Hospital (HH) northern Zimbabwe, TB increased 35% 2008 baseline rates 2003–2007 (p<0.01) at that level 2009. Murambinda (MH) Eastern Zimbabwe also demonstrated 29% rise 2007 to Data collected post-crisis HH showed decrease 33% between 2009 2010 (p<0.001) 2010/2011 below years 2008/2009 (p<0.01). Antenatal clinic HIV seroprevalence decreased 2001(23%) 2011(11%) (p<0.001). Seasonality was analyzed both MH HH. There higher dry season when least available (September-November) compared post harvest (April-June) (p<0.001). Conclusion This study suggests an epidemic mirrored collapse recovery Zimbabwe. seasonal data security may have been associated with annually this high prevalence country.