Geographical pattern of tuberculosis and related factors in Japan

Abstract

During the past 15 years, Japan has experienced a steep decrease in the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB). However, the fact that the mortality rate from TB in 1978 is as high as those of Scandinavian Countries in 1950s and 1960s indicates that the TB problem in Japan is still a matter of concern for public health.

The areal difference in TB prevalence between prefectures and cities is one of the important problems to be solved in the enforcement of TB control programs in Japan.

It was found that the present situation in TB prevalence in each prefecture in Japan is closely related with the level of the implementation of TB control programs, socio-economic conditions and level of urbanization. It was also suggested that climatic environment had some effects on the areal differences in TB in Japan.