Examining the Influence of Displaced Populations on Tuberculosis Transmission: A Benue State Case Study
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge, particularly among displaced populations. These environments foster TB transmission due to overcrowding, poor living conditions, and inadequate healthcare access Objectives To compare the proportion of tuberculosis (TB) cases detected through screening among displaced populations residing in internally displaced persons (IDP) and refugee settings with that among the general population in Benue State, Nigeria. Design Quantitative observational study comparing TB screening and diagnostic findings across displaced and general populations. Setting IDP camps, refugee settings and general-community screening locations in Benue State, Nigeria. Participants A total of 1,938 individuals were screened: 1,143 in displaced settings and 795 in the general population. Participants were assessed for presumptive TB and underwent the applicable diagnostic evaluation. Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcome was the proportion of screened individuals diagnosed with TB in displaced settings compared with the general population. Secondary outcomes were the numbers of presumptive TB cases and TB diagnoses classified as bacteriologically confirmed. Results Among the 1,143 individuals screened in displaced settings, 128 presumptive TB cases were identified, with 46 confirmed cases (26 bacteriologically and 20 clinically). In contrast, only 3 TB cases (2 bacteriologically and 1 clinically) were detected among 795 individuals in the general population. The TB prevalence rate in displaced populations was 4.0%, significantly higher than the 0.4% observed in the general population. Conclusions The study confirms a heightened TB burden in displaced communities, emphasizing the need for enhanced screening, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
Source: medRxiv
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7223383786