Epidemiology of tuberculosis in Kazakhstan: data from the Unified National Electronic Healthcare System 2014–2019

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to estimate tuberculosis (TB) incidence, mortality rates and survival HRs in Kazakhstan, using large-scale administrative health data records during 2014–2019. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: Data for patients with TB in Kazakhstan during 2014–2019, reported in the Unified National Electronic Healthcare System. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with TB in Kazakhstan (ICD-10 (The International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision) codes: A15–A19). OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic factors, diagnoses and comorbidities were analysed using descriptive, bivariate and multivariable statistical analyses. TB incidence and mortality rates were calculated, and Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed to assess risk factors for survival rates. RESULTS: Of the 149 122 patients with TB, 91 437 (61%) were males, and 139 931 (94%) had respiratory TB. From 2014 to 2019, TB incidence declined from 227 to 15.2 per 100 000 individuals, while all-cause mortality increased from 8.4 to 15.2 per 100 000. Age-specific TB incidence was lowest for 0–10 years of age and highest for 20 years of age. Being older, man, urban residence versus rural, retired versus employed, having HIV and having diabetes versus no comorbidities were associated with lower survival rates. CONCLUSION: To date, this is the largest TB published study for Kazakhstan, characterising TB incidence and mortality trends by demographic factors, and risk factors for survival rates. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address the growing burden of TB, particularly among older adults, men, urban residents and those with HIV and diabetes. The study underscores the importance of using administrative health data to inform policy and health system responses to TB in Kazakhstan.