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50
This table indicates that there has been a similar satisfactory record as regards
decline in the number of deaths from non-pulmonary tuberculosis as is shown in
table 59 concerning notifications. Here again the position is less favourable as regards
adults than in respect of children.
The problem, therefore, in London, is now more difficult as regards adults
than children. It will be seen from table 60 that the percentage of applications for
residential treatment in relation to notifications is lower for adults than
children, except during periods of industrial depression. It is difficult to say how
far the higher mortality in adults is due to the reluctance to undergo residential
treatment or to reduced natural resistance to tuberculous infection in adult life.
The economic factor certainly has an influence on willingness to undergo the prolonged
treatment necessary in these cases.
Following-up
of discharged
patients

Particulars obtained in 1936 as to the fitness for work of the 1,479 surviving
adult patients who were discharged from treatment in 1931 show that out of a total
of 525 classified A and B1 68'4 per cent, were at work. The corresponding percentage
for those classified A and B1 in the 1930 group was 70.2. The percentages at work
in the other categories and also the corresponding figures for the 1930 group (shown
in brackets) are as follows : B2 54.1 (47.6) per cent.; B3 40.0 (21.6) per cent.;
and surgical 61.9 (62.6) per cent. Of the total number of 1,479 in all categories
59.5 (56.3) per cent, were at work, 5.0 (5.6) per cent, were fit for work but were
unemployed, 28.1 (31.2) per cent, were unable to work (including patients receiving
further residential treatment).
Children.—The particulars obtained as to the after-histories of children discharged
under 16 years of age in 1931 relate to 595, of whom 170 are pulmonary
and 425 non-pulmonary.