Epidemiological Profile and Geospatial Mapping of Pediatric Tuberculosis in the Tribal District of Central India: A Record-based Cross-sectional Study

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge in India, particularly in vulnerable pediatric populations within tribal regions.Despite ongoing efforts under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), there is limited data on the epidemiological profile and spatial distribution of pediatric TB in tribal districts such as Chandrapur in Central India.Geospatial mapping is a useful tool to visualize case distribution and assist in planning targeted interventions.Objectives: To assess the epidemiological profile and geospatial mapping of pediatric TB cases notified in Chandrapur district, a tribal area in Central India.Materials and methods: A record-based cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data obtained from the Nikshay portal of NTEP.Data were collected for all pediatric TB patients aged 0-15 years, notified between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, with treatment outcomes available till December 31, 2024.A universal sampling method was used, including all eligible cases.Out of 3,344 total TB cases notified during the study period, 137 pediatric TB cases were identified and analyzed.Variables collected included age, sex, place of residence, socioeconomic status, diagnostic modality, site of disease, treatment outcome, and HIV status.Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Jamovi software.Spatial analysis was conducted using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) software to visualize the distribution of cases across the district.Results: Among 137 pediatric TB patients, 38% were aged 0-5 years, and 56.9% were males.Extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) (74.5%) was more common than pulmonary TB.A majority (60.6%) of cases were diagnosed in private healthcare facilities.HIV positivity was observed in 2.9% of cases.Treatment completion was reported in 95.6% of cases.Geospatial mapping identified Chandrapur and Ballarpur talukas as high-burden areas. Conclusion:The study highlights the epidemiological pattern and geographical clustering of pediatric TB cases, emphasizing the need for focused public health strategies in identified high-burden talukas.