International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
Volume 15, Issue 1, 2011, Pages 38-43

Risk of travelling to the country of origin for tuberculosis among immigrants living in a low-incidence country (Article)

Kik S.V. , Mensen M. , Beltman M. , Gijsberts M. , Van Ameijden E.J.C. , Cobelens F.G.J. , Erkens C. , Borgdorff M.W. , Verver S.
  • a KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, PO Box 146, 2501 CC, The Hague, Netherlands, University of Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • b Department of Tuberculosis Control, Municipal Health Service, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • c KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, PO Box 146, 2501 CC, The Hague, Netherlands
  • d The Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP), The Hague, Netherlands
  • e Department of Epidemiology and Information, Municipal Health Service, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • f KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, PO Box 146, 2501 CC, The Hague, Netherlands, University of Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • g KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, PO Box 146, 2501 CC, The Hague, Netherlands
  • h KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, PO Box 146, 2501 CC, The Hague, Netherlands, University of Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • i KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, PO Box 146, 2501 CC, The Hague, Netherlands, University of Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

SETTING: Two thirds of tuberculosis (TB) patients in the Netherlands are foreign-born. OBJECTIVE: To determine if travelling to the country of origin is a risk factor for TB among two different immigrant groups that have lived in the Netherlands for at least 2 years. DESIGN: In this unmatched case-control study, the frequency and duration of travel to the country of origin in the preceding 12 months were compared between adult Moroccan and Turkish TB patients and community controls. RESULTS: Moroccan patients had travelled more often (26/32 = 81%) in the preceding year than Moroccan controls (472/816 = 58%). The travel-associated odds ratio (OR) for TB among Moroccans was 3.2 (95%CI 1.3-7.7), and increased to 17.2 (95%CI 3.7-79) when the cumulative duration of travel exceeded 3 months. The corresponding population fraction of Moroccan TB cases attributable to recent travel was 56% (95%CI 19-71). Among Turkish immigrants TB was not associated with travel (OR 0.9, 95%CI 0.3-2.4). CONCLUSION: Travel to the country of origin was a risk factor for TB among Moroccans, but not among Turkish people living in the Netherlands. The difference in travel-associated OR between these two immigrant groups is probably related to differences in TB incidence in these countries. © 2011 The Union.

Author Keywords

immigrants Attributable risk Case-control study tuberculosis travel

Index Keywords

Netherlands immigrant attributable risk human risk assessment middle aged Odds Ratio travel controlled study priority journal Aged Time Factors Logistic Models Young Adult Humans lung tuberculosis Adolescent male Chi-Square Distribution Emigrants and Immigrants female tuberculosis Risk Factors questionnaire clinical article Incidence Article Questionnaires adult infection risk Turkey Case-Control Studies case control study Morocco health survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-78650105174&partnerID=40&md5=6d2d3f250e381e7c620f11e16949a954
ISSN: 10273719
Cited by: 23
Original Language: English