Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objectives: Following up on 2023 analyses, this study re-evaluated tuberculosis incidence patterns in the Capital Region (Seoul Metropolitan City, Incheon Metropolitan City, Gyeonggi-do, and Gangwon State) using the latest 2024 data. These findings serve as foundational data to guide effective tuberculosis management strategies centered on high-risk groups. Methods: This study obtained and analyzed data from the National Tuberculosis Integrated Information System (2015-2024). These analyses focused on high-risk groups: the elderly (≥65 years), foreign nationals, Medical Aid beneficiaries, and drug-resistant tuberculosis patients. Incidence rates per 100,000 population were calculated using population data from Korean Statistical Information Service. Results: In 2024, 8,035 tuberculosis cases were reported in the Capital Region (a 7.7% decrease from 2023), continuing a steady quantitative decline. Within this trend, pronounced structural changes were identified: the proportions of the elderly (51.8% to 52.2%) and foreign nationals (7.8% to 8.4%) increased. Incidence among Medical Aid recipients (141.7 per 100,000) was 5.3-fold higher than that among Health Insurance beneficiaries (26.5). The proportion of multidrug/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis was 2.8% (national: 2.6%), which was 3.3-fold higher among retreatment cases (6.2%) than among new cases (1.9%). Notably, the incidence among the elderly in Gangwon State (137.6) was markedly higher than that in the Seoul metropolitan area (94.1). Conclusions: Although tuberculosis case notifications in the Capital Region continued a 10-year decreasing trend, the proportions of the elderly (≥65 years) and foreign nationals continued to rise. This trend, driven by population aging and an influx of foreign workers from high-tuberculosis -burden countries, combined with group-specific vulnerabilities, justifies the targeted programs implemented since 2024 (e.g., "Tuberculosis Awareness for Foreign Workers" and "Tuberculosis Prevention for Seniors [Gangwon State]"). Future efforts must expand these tailored management systems to other vulnerable groups, such as the homeless, Jjokbang residents, and undocumented migrants, to establish a comprehensive and integrated care network.
Source: Public Health Weekly Report
Institution: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7124260265