Sociodemographic factors that contribute to the development of extrapulmonary tuberculosis were identified

Background and Objectives: The majority of cases of tuberculosis occur among males, but the majority of cases with extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) occur among females. The aim of this study was to identify independent risk factors associated with EPTB. Methods: A multivariable logistic regression model was. used. Eighteen thousand, six hundred seventeen cases of tuberculosis, notified through the French national mandatory network between 1 January 1997 through 31 December 2001, were included in the analysis. Because of multiple interactions, different multivariable models were built for each area of birth (Europe, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia). Results: Risk factors for EPTB vary according to area of birth. Women born in Asia or North Africa were at a higher risk of developing an EPTB than men. In Sub-Saharan Africa, age was associated with EPTB. Human immunodeficiency virus infection was an independent risk factor for EPTB in the European groups only with an OR of 2.48 (CI 99% 1.84-3.34). Conclusion: This analysis contributes to a better understanding of host-related factors associated with EPTB. As clinical presentation of EPTB is extremely variable, the identification of groups at higher risk may help in the early detection of cases. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.