The Relationship Between Parents' Education Level and Contact History with the Incidence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Children in Medan City

Abstract

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in children remains a significant public health issue in Indonesia. Transmission generally occurs through direct exposure to adult TB patients, particularly via close contact within the household, and is influenced by family-related factors. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between parental education level and contact history with the incidence of pulmonary TB in children. A case-control design was employed, involving a total of 93 children as respondents—31 cases and 62 controls—selected from the working areas of 12 Community Health Centers (Puskesmas) in Medan City. Sampling was conducted using a total sampling method, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Bivariate analysis was performed using the Chi-square test. The results showed that a history of contact with pulmonary TB patients was the most influential factor associated with the incidence of TB in children. An odds ratio (OR) of 209.1 with a p-value of 0.001 indicates that children with a contact history had a 209-fold greater risk of developing pulmonary TB compared to those without such a history. These findings highlight the critical importance of strengthening contact tracing efforts and implementing TB Preventive Therapy (TPT) at the household level as strategic measures to reduce TB transmission among children.