Aim

To understand tuberculosis (TB) prevalence among the slum dwellers of metropolitan cities of India and the factors associated with TB prevalence.

Methods

National Family Health Survey-III data for four metropolitan cities namely, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai was used for this study.

Results

Prevalence of TB is significantly (P = 0.001) higher in the slums than non-slums of Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata cities. As the living standard increases, TB prevalence decreases. Logistic regression analysis uncovers that lower standard of living is highly associated with TB followed by place of residence (slum or non-slum).
Conclusion

Mumbai has the highest prevalence among the four cities studied herein. Living standards, place of residence and absence of windows and electricity in the households are the factors associated with TB prevalence.