ورقة علمية / Research Paper

Problem Statement Chronic cough is one of the most common symptoms in outpatient clinics, yet tuberculosis (TB) remains underdiagnosed due to limited screening. There are no local data describing the prevalence of TB among patients presenting with chronic cough in Dongola. Justification Determining the prevalence of pulmonary TB in chronic cough patients is vital for improving case detection and strengthening TB control efforts in the region. General Objective To determine the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among patients presenting with chronic cough in Dongola Specialized Hospital. Specific Objectives 1. To estimate the proportion of chronic cough patients who test positive for pulmonary TB. 2. To describe the sociodemographic characteristics of TB-positive patients. 3. To evaluate diagnostic methods (smear microscopy, GeneXpert) used for TB detection. Methodology • Study Design: Cross-sectional study. • Study Area: Outpatient and TB units at Dongola Specialized Hospital. • Study Population: Patients with a cough lasting ≥2 weeks. • Sample Size: Determined using prevalence-based formula (~150–200 participants). • Data Collection: Structured questionnaire and laboratory results from sputum smear and GeneXpert testing. • Data Analysis: Data analyzed using SPSS; prevalence rates and associations assessed using chi-square tests.

Written informed consent will be taken from all participants before enrollment. All collected data will be treated with strict confidentiality, with no personal identifiers used in analysis or reporting. Participation will be voluntary, with no effect on patients’ care, and all investigations will follow standard clinical practice. The study will adhere to ethical principles to ensure respect for participants, privacy, and responsible use of data.

This study will provide essential local data on the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among patients presenting with chronic cough in Dongola Specialized Hospital, helping to quantify the hidden burden of TB in this high-risk group. The findings can improve early case detection by supporting more systematic screening of chronic cough patients, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment and reduced transmission in the community.