Default during TB diagnosis: quantifying the problem
Document Type
Article
Department
Pulmonary and Critical Care
Abstract
Objectives:To quantify default during diagnosis in TB suspects and in smear-positive cases, to investigate sex differences in default during diagnosis, in all of Pakistan.
Methods:
Data from laboratory registers were collected on 12 216 suspects in nine districts over the period July-September 2008. Results:A total of 1573 TB suspects (12.9%, 95% CI = 12.3-13.5) dropped out of the diagnostic process after initial sputum submission. A total of 2058 smear-positive cases were detected, and of these 107 (5.2%, 95% CI = 4.2-6.2) defaulted during diagnosis and therefore could not be started on treatment. Male suspects defaulted slightly more frequently than female suspects (P = 0.0268).
Conclusion:
Default during diagnosis is a frequent occurrence in Pakistan that should be monitored and addressed by TB control programs.
Publication ( Name of Journal)
Tropical Medicine & International Health
Recommended Citation
Khan, M.,
Khan, S.,
Godfrey-Faussett, P.
(2009). Default during TB diagnosis: quantifying the problem. Tropical Medicine & International Health, 14(12), 1437-1441.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_med_pulm_critcare/14