Background

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading infectious causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, disproportionately affecting developing countries. Despite substantial advances in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, TB continues to pose major public health challenges due to poverty, malnutrition, HIV co-infection, overcrowding, and healthcare disparities.

Objective

To evaluate the epidemiology of tuberculosis in developing countries, identify major risk factors, assess disease burden, and explore strategies for effective control and prevention.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted using surveillance data from 1,500 tuberculosis patients across selected developing countries. Demographic, clinical, socioeconomic, and environmental variables were analyzed. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics, trend analysis, chi-square testing, and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

The highest burden of tuberculosis was observed among adults aged 20–49 years. Pulmonary TB accounted for 82.6% of cases. Major risk factors included malnutrition (OR=3.8), HIV infection (OR=4.5), smoking (OR=2.4), diabetes mellitus (OR=2.1), and household overcrowding (OR=3.2). Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) was identified in 6.9% of cases. Treatment success rate reached 84.3%, while mortality was 7.8%.

Conclusion

Tuberculosis remains a major public health problem in developing countries. Addressing socioeconomic determinants, strengthening healthcare systems, expanding early diagnosis, and improving treatment adherence are critical for reducing TB incidence and mortality.