Sociodemographic profile in households of pulmonary tuberculosis patients: A six- year longitudinal analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a foremost public health concern in India, disproportionately affecting disadvantaged socioeconomic groups and amplifying poverty and inequality. This study explores longitudinal changes in socioeconomic status (SES) and sociodemographic characteristics among household contacts of patients with pulmonary TB over six years in Puducherry, India. METHODS: A secondary analysis was conducted using the data from the RePORT India cohort, involving patients with pulmonary TB and their household contacts in Puducherry. Baseline data (2019) included 197 households, with follow-up data (2024) available for 93 households. Changes in SES and sociodemographic indicators were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in Stata 14. RESULTS: The proportion of elders (60+ years) rose from 5.3 % to 13.9 %, and larger households (≥6 members) were more likely to experience SES deterioration (p < 0.02). Households with one wage earner decreased, while those with three or more increased. A 14 % rise in lower-middle-class households was observed, alongside declines in upper-middle and middle-class groups. CONCLUSION: This study findings reveal a significant SES shift in TB-affected households, emphasizing the long-term socioeconomic impact of TB. Interventions addressing income stability and housing conditions are essential for mitigating TB's economic burden and improving health equity in vulnerable populations.