Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the features of pulmonary tuberculosis prevalence in Enshi Autonomous Prefecture, and to provide scientific evidence for development of TB control policy. MethodsQuestionnaire specifically for tuberculosis patients was designed and filled by trained doctors. All TB cases registered in TB control institutes in 2007 were interviewed and the data were entered in EXCEL worksheet and analyzed by SPSS12.0 software. Results(1) The incidence of ethnic minorities was significantly higher than that of Han (P<0.001)，Tujia>Han>Miao=other minority (Miao and other Chi-square partition P=0.518, P=0.000 for others); (2) The incidence rates of men and women of the minority were respectively higher than those of Han (P_M=0.000; P_F=0.000), the highest incidence age group was 15～64 years, and the top three in both Han nationality and minority age group were above 65 years,55～65 years and 45～55 years; (3) The greatest incidence among various occupations was farmers, that of students’ was the second； (4)There was a high negative correlation between the morbidity of tuberculosis and annual income (r_Han=-0.930, r_minority=-0.920)，and also between the incidence of tuberculosis and the level of education in both nationalities(r_Han=-0.953, r_minority=-0.995); (5) The most common source of patients was positive consultation, the average patient delay was 45.21 days, and the delay in the minorities was 9.56 days longer than that in Han， 50.7% of the patients sought for health care after 30 days’ symptoms emergence. ConclusionsEconomic factors remains the most important factor for the incidence of tuberculosis in Enshi Autonomous Prefecture, so the strengthening Government’s commitment, increasing financial input and policy development are crucial for controlling the infection source of tuberculosis and reducing incidence.

Key words: Tuberculosis,pulmonary/ prevention & control, Hubei province, Miao nationality