Determinants of tuberculosis treatment success in developed countries: A macro-level panel data analysis

Objective: Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious health problem for underdeveloped and developing world and it is also considered to threaten developed world. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the influence of selected macro-level socioeconomic and demographic factors on TB treatment success in developed countries.Method: Panel data analysis techniques are used in the current study. TB treatment success rate (% of new cases) is the dependent variable while rural population (% of total population), health expenditure (% of gross domestic product (GDP)), population ages 65 and above (% of total population) and SARS-CoV-2 outbreak are independent variables. The study utilizes data from 22 developed countries.Results: Health expenditure exhibits a positive and statistically significant effect on TB treatment success. Conversely, population ages 65 and above and the COVID-19 outbreak have negative and significant effects on TB treatment success, while the share of the rural population shows no significant effect.Conclusion: Policymakers should prioritize the removal of barriers, particularly those arising from high health expenditures that impede access to TB treatment services for low-income populations. In addition, strategic measures should be implemented for TB treatment services during pandemic periods. Finally, TB treatment programs should be tailored to address the specific needs of older adults.