Abstract:
"Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health issue in Thailand. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated Thailand as one of the 14 countries with a high TB burden. To address this issue, Thailand's second strategic plan set a target to reduce the TB mortality rate to no more than 5%. However, in Lamphun Province, the TB mortality rate during treatment remains higher than the target every fiscal year. Data from the past five fiscal years (2017-2021) show a mortality rate of 12.18%, exceeding the set target. This study was a retrospective study design aimed at identifying factors influencing TB mortality among patients registered for treatment in Lamphun Province from 2017 to 2021. The data were collected from the National Tuberculosis Information Program (NTIP), the TB-Clinic Management (TBCM) program, and the TB treatment registry at the Lamphun Provincial Health Office (Hospital Data Center), covering a total of 1,823 patients, with complete follow-up data for 1,708 cases. Data were collected using a case record form, which included general information, health risk behavior history, and TB treatment history. Multivariate logistic regression was used for data analysis. The study found that 205 tuberculosis patients died, accounting for 12.0%. The highest prevalence of tuberculosis was among males at 72.9%, with an average age of 55.29 years (Mean 55.29, S.D. 17.79). The average Body Mass Index (BMI) was 18.91 (Mean 18.91, S.D. 3.73). The factors most affecting tuberculosis mortality were age over 60 years (AOR = 4.37, 95%CI 3.026.32, p-value <0.001), positive sputum smear results at registration (AOR = 2.24, 95%CI 1.61-3.12, p-value <0.001), and having other comorbid conditions (AOR = 1.70, 95%CI 1.22-2.38, p-value =0.002). Based on these results, medical and public health personnel should be aware of the risk factors for tuberculosis mortality, particularly among patients over 60 years old, those with comorbidities, and those with positive sputum smear results, and closely monitor these patients to ensure the most effective treatment. "