Excess Alcohol Use and Death among Tuberculosis Patients in the United States, 1997-2012

J Tuberc Res. 2016 Mar;4(1):18-22. doi: 10.4236/jtr.2016.41003.

Abstract

Rationale: Excess alcohol use (EAU) is associated with adverse TB treatment outcomes.

Objective: We investigated the relationship between EAU and death among TB patients 15 years and older prescribed anti-TB treatment in the United States.

Design: Using data reported to the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System for 1997-2012, we calculated adjusted odds ratios and excess attributable risk percent for death among TB patients with reported EAU.

Results: EAU was associated with death among patients younger than 65. The excess attributable risk percent for death among those with reported EAU for those younger than 65 was >35%.

Conclusions: Interventions to reduce EAU in patients <65 years may reduce deaths.

Keywords: Attributable Risk; Mortality; Mycobacterium; Substance Use.