Health System Delay Research Articles

Health system delay in treatment of multidrug resistant tuberculosis patients in Bangladesh.

BackgroundBangladesh is one of the 27 high burden countries for multidrug resistant tuberculosis listed by the World Health Organization. Delay in multidrug resistant tuberculosis treatment may allow progression of the disease and affect the attempts to curb transmission of drug resistant tuberculosis. The main objective of this study was to investigate the health system delay in multidrug resistant tuberculosis treatment in Bangladesh and to explore the factors related to the delay.MethodsInformation related to the delay was collected as part of a previously conducted case–control study. The current study restricts analysis to patients with multidrug resistant tuberculosis who were diagnosed using rapid diagnostic methods (Xpert MTB/RIF or the line probe assay). Information was collected by face-to-face interviews and through record reviews from all three Government hospitals providing multidrug resistant tuberculosis services, from September 2012 to April 2013. Multivariable regression analysis was performed using Bootstrap variance estimators. Definitions were as follows: Provider delay: time between visiting a provider for first consultation on MDR-TB related symptom to visiting a designated diagnostic centre for testing; Diagnostic delay: time from date of diagnostic sample provided to date of result; Treatment initiation delay: time between the date of diagnosis and date of treatment initiation; Health system delay: time between visiting a provider to start of treatment. Health system delay was derived by adding provider delay, diagnostic delay and treatment initiation delay.ResultsThe 207 multidrug resistant tuberculosis patients experienced a health system delay of median 7.1 weeks. The health system delay consists of provider delay (median 4 weeks), diagnostic delay (median 5 days) and treatment initiation delay (median 10 days). Health system delay (Coefficient: 37.7; 95 %; CI 15.0–60.4; p 0.003) was associated with the visit to private practitioners for first consultation.ConclusionsDiagnosis time for multidrug resistant tuberculosis was fast using the rapid tests. However, some degree of delay was present in treatment initiation, after diagnosis. The most effective way to reduce health system delay would be through strategies such as engaging private practitioners in multidrug resistant tuberculosis control.

Health system delay among patients with tuberculosis in Taiwan: 2003-2010.

BackgroundTaiwan has integrated the previous vertical tuberculosis (TB) control system into the general health care system. With the phase out of the specialized TB care system and the declining TB incidence, it is likely that clinical workers become less familiar with the presentation of TB, resulting in delay in TB diagnosis and treatment.MethodsWe used the detailed information of health care visits in the Taiwan National Health Insurance database to analyze the temporal pattern of the health system delay (HSD) among 3,117 patients with TB between 2003 and 2010.ResultsThe median HSD was 29 days (interquartile range 5–73 days), and the median delay increased from 26 days in 2003 to 33.5 days in 2008, thereafter slightly decreased to 32 days in 2010. Patient factors associated with a longer HSD included: aged 45–64 and ≧65 years (as compared to aged <30 years); females (as compared to males); an initial visit as an outpatient (as compared to an inpatient). Provider factors were an initial visit to a provider not specialized in TB (as compared to a TB-related provider), to a primary care clinic or to a medical center (as compared to a district hospital), and in Central region, Northern region, KaoPing region, Southern region and Taipei region (as compared to in Eastern region). Longer distances from the point of initial visit to that of treatment were associated with longer HSD. Patients who switched among different levels or different types of medical care services during their illness exhibited the longest HSD.ConclusionsIn countries where the TB care systems are being restructured from a vertical to a horizontal system, it is critical to monitor HSD and be aware of its increase. The potential increase in the HSD from 2003 to 2008 observed in this study is concerning and the decline of HSD after 2008 might be attributed to the launch of contact investigation. Our results call for actions to improve the efficiency of TB diagnosis in the health care system and to increase the awareness of TB among physicians and the general public.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-015-1228-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Health-care seeking behavior among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Salahadin Governorate

Background and objectives: The burden of tuberculosis on public health is staggering and has become of growing concern to stakeholders in recent times worldwide. Patients delay in seeking care increases the transmission of pulmonary tuberculosis and hence the burden of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the patterns and determinants of patients delay in seeking treatment among pulmonary tuberculosis cases attending the chest and respiratory consultation center in Salahadin governorate. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 50 tuberculosis cases attending the chest and respiratory consultation center in Salahadin governorate. A questionnaire was used to collect the data that by face to face interview with the patient including25 questions divided into two sections of identification information, socio-demographic characteristics and health seeking history. Results: The median patient delay was 3.9 weeks. The median health system delay was 3.0 weeks. The median total delay was 8.9 weeks. The highest percentage of patients’ first health seeking places was the private clinic 72%. Conclusions: The major cause of delay in seeking treatment among pulmonary tuberculosis cases was attributed to patient and the health system. Decentralization of the treatment is fundamental for earlier diagnosis. Involvement of private sectors in the treatment program will result in a decrease in the delay of tuberculosis patients.

Pathways to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment initiation: a qualitative comparison of patients' experiences in the era of rapid molecular diagnostic tests.

BackgroundAlthough new molecular diagnostic tests such as GenoType MTBDRplus and Xpert® MTB/RIF have reduced multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment initiation times, patients’ experiences of diagnosis and treatment initiation are not known. This study aimed to explore and compare MDR-TB patients’ experiences of their diagnostic and treatment initiation pathway in GenoType MTBDRplus and Xpert® MTB/RIF-based diagnostic algorithms.MethodsThe study was undertaken in Cape Town, South Africa where primary health-care services provided free TB diagnosis and treatment. A smear, culture and GenoType MTBDRplus diagnostic algorithm was used in 2010, with Xpert® MTB/RIF phased in from 2011–2013. Participants diagnosed in each algorithm at four facilities were purposively sampled, stratifying by age, gender and MDR-TB risk profiles. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Through constant comparative analysis we induced common and divergent themes related to symptom recognition, health-care access, testing for MDR-TB and treatment initiation within and between groups. Data were triangulated with clinical information and health visit data from a structured questionnaire.ResultsWe identified both enablers and barriers to early MDR-TB diagnosis and treatment. Half the patients had previously been treated for TB; most recognised recurring symptoms and reported early health-seeking. Those who attributed symptoms to other causes delayed health-seeking. Perceptions of poor public sector services were prevalent and may have contributed both to deferred health-seeking and to patient’s use of the private sector, contributing to delays. However, once on treatment, most patients expressed satisfaction with public sector care. Two patients in the Xpert® MTB/RIF-based algorithm exemplified its potential to reduce delays, commencing MDR-TB treatment within a week of their first health contact. However, most patients in both algorithms experienced substantial delays. Avoidable health system delays resulted from providers not testing for TB at initial health contact, non-adherence to testing algorithms, results not being available and failure to promptly recall patients with positive results.ConclusionWhilst the introduction of rapid tests such as Xpert® MTB/RIF can expedite MDR-TB diagnosis and treatment initiation, the full benefits are unlikely to be realised without reducing delays in health-seeking and addressing the structural barriers present in the health-care system.

Déterminants des délais patient et système de santé des femmes atteintes d’un cancer du sein au Maroc, 2013

BackgroundIn Morocco, breast cancer is the first most common cancer in women. It is diagnosed in most cases at an advanced stage. Delay in diagnosis and access to treatment for breast cancer increases morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the consultation delay (patient delay), diagnosis delay and access to treatment delay (health system delays) of women with breast cancer admitted at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat. Factors associated with these delays were analyzed. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study from December 2012 to May 2013 at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat. Two hundred eligible and consenting women were interviewed using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Stages I and II were identified as “early stages” and III and IV as “advanced stages”. ResultsIn our population, 54% were diagnosed at an early stage of breast cancer and 46% at an advanced stage. The median total delay was 120 days (interquartile interval [IIQ]=81–202 days). The patient delay (median=65 days, IIQ=31–121) was longer than the health system delay (median=50 days, IIQ=29–77). High risk for a long total delay (more than 4 months) was observed for women who were aged over 65 years (OR=1.30, 95% CI 1.10–4.20), illiterate (OR=4.50, 95% CI 2.10–6.20), rural residents (OR=3.40, 95% CI 1.23–8.13), in a lower socioeconomic category (OR=4.75, 95% CI 1.45–15.60), without knowledge about breast self-examination (OR=5.67, 95% CI 2.65–12.15) and seen more than 2 times before diagnosis (OR=7.70, 95% CI 2.88–20.50). A long total delay increased the risk of being diagnosed at an advanced stage (OR=5.62, 95% CI 3.03–10.45). ConclusionEfforts should be directed to providing good information to the population at risk, better access to screening and continuing medical training to enable diagnosis and early treatment.

Health system delay and its effect on clinical stage of breast cancer: Multicenter study.

BACKGROUNDThe objective of this study was to determine the correlation between health system delay and clinical disease stage in patients with breast cancer.METHODSThis was a cross‐sectional study of 886 patients who were referred to 4 of the largest public cancer hospitals in Mexico City for the evaluation of a probable breast cancer. Data on time intervals, sociodemographic factors, and clinical stage at diagnosis were retrieved. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the average marginal effects of delay on the probability of being diagnosed with advanced breast cancer (stages III and IV).RESULTSThe median time between problem identification and the beginning of treatment was 7 months. The subinterval with the largest delay was that between the first medical consultation and diagnosis (median, 4 months). Only 15% of the patients who had cancer were diagnosed with stage 0 and I disease, and 48% were diagnosed with stage III and IV disease. Multivariate analyses confirmed independent correlations for the means of problem identification, patient delay, health system delay, and age with a higher probability that patients would begin cancer treatment in an advanced stage.CONCLUSIONSIn the sample studied, the majority of patients with breast cancer began treatment after a delay. Both patient delays and provider delays were associated with advanced disease. Research aimed at identifying specific access barriers to medical services is much needed to guide the design of tailored health policies that go beyond the promotion of breast care awareness and screening participation to include improvements in health services that facilitate access to timely diagnosis and treatment. Cancer 2015;121:2198–2206.

Tuberculosis treatment delays and associated factors within the Zimbabwe national tuberculosis programme.

BackgroundDelayed presentation of pulmonary TB (PTB) patients for treatment from onset of symptoms remains a threat to controlling individual disease progression and TB transmission in the community. Currently, there is insufficient information about treatment delays in Zimbabwe, and we therefore determined the extent of patient and health systems delays and their associated factors in patients with microbiologically confirmed PTB.MethodsA structured questionnaire was administered at 47 randomly selected health facilities in Zimbabwe by trained health workers to all patients aged ≥18 years with microbiologically confirmed PTB who were started on TB treatment and entered in the health facility TB registers between 01 January and 31 March 2013. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between patient/health system characteristics and patient delay >30 days or health system delay >4 days.ResultsOf the 383 recruited patients, 211(55%) were male with an overall median age of 34 years (IQR, 28-43). There was a median of 28 days (IQR, 21-63) for patient delays and 2 days (IQR, 1-5) for health system delays with 184 (48%) and 118 (31%) TB patients experiencing health system delays >30 days and health system delays >4 days respectively. Starting TB treatment at rural primary healthcare vs district/mission facilities [aOR 2.70, 95% CI 1.27-5.75, p = 0.01] and taking self-medication [aOR 2.33, 95% CI 1.23-4.43, p = 0.01] were associated with encountering patient delays. Associated with health system delays were accessing treatment from lower level facilities [aOR 2.67, 95% CI 1.18-6.07, p = 0.019], having a Gene Xpert TB diagnosis [aOR 0.21, 95% CI 0.07-0.66, p = 0.008] and >4 health facility visits prior to TB diagnosis [(aOR) 3.34, 95% CI 1.11-10.03, p = 0.045].ConclusionPatient delays were longer and more prevalent, suggesting the need for strategies aimed at promoting timely seeking of appropriate medical consultation among presumptive TB patients. Health system delays were uncommon, suggesting a fairly efficient response to microbiologically confirmed PTB cases. Identified risk factors should be explored further and specific strategies aimed at addressing these factors should be identified in order to lessen patient and health system delays.

Delay in Tuberculosis Diagnosis among Tuberculosis Patients at the Three Hospitals: Asella, Robe and Abomsa of Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, March, 2015

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem. Delay in tuberculosis diagnosis may worsen the disease and increase transmission within the general population. This study estimated the prevalence of diagnosis delay and its determinants. Objective: To measure the magnitude of patient and health service delay and identify the factors associated with the delay. Methodology: A facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted at the three hospitals of Arsi Zone from December 2014-March 2015. All above 15 years old, all forms of TB patient who were on intensive phase and who were diagnosed during the data collection period were included in the study. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire and patient record review. Binary and multivariate logistic regressions were done using SPSS Ver. 20, to investigate determinants of patient, health system and total dely. The P-value of <0.05 was taken as significance. Result: Three hundred sixty two (362) all forms of TB patients enrolled in the study, of which 36.7% experienced patient delay, 49.7% health system delay and 48.9% total delay. The median patient, health system and total delay were 30, 9, 40 days respectively. Poor knowledge of TB (AOR 2.72 95% CI (1.33 - 5.56), P-value: 0.006), self treatment (AOR: 10.82, 95% CI (5.09 - 22.98), p-value: 0.000), alcohol consumption (AOR: 2.23, 95% CI (1.02 - 4.87, p-value: 0.045) and lack of money for health related expense (AOR: 3.15, 95% CI (2.05 - 12.92), p-value 0.000) were the independent predictors of patient delay. Visiting two health care providers (AOR: 2.86, 95% CI (1.20 - 56.76), p-value: 0.032), three and above (AOR: 14.41, 95% CI (1.68 - 123.44), p-value: 0.015) and being HIV negative (AOR: 5.32, 95% CI (1.35 - 20.93), P-value: 0.017) were independent predictors of health system delay. Conclusion: About 64.4% of the total delay was contributed by patient delay. Poor knowledge of TB and self treatment can be prevented by simple community based interventions. The Health Extension Workers (HEWs) should be supported to strengthen the activities of health education. A well-designed information education, communication/behavioral change communication (IEC/BCC) strategy for TB might improve the TB control program.

Major Delays in the Diagnosis and Management of Tuberculosis Patients in Nepal.

Early diagnosis is a determining factor for spread of tuberculosis. Delay in diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis geometrically increases spread and infectivity of the disease and is associated with higher risk of mortality. The present study aimed to investigate the length of delays in diagnosis and treatment among new pulmonary tuberculosis patients in central development region of Nepal. A cross-sectional study was conducted by administration of structured questionnaire interview and reviewing the medical records of the new sputum smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases during January-May 2015. Simple random sampling was applied to select samples from 5 districts of 19 districts comprising at least one each from 3 ecological regions of Nepal. A total of 374 new sputum smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases were included in the study. The median patient delay, health system delay, and total delay were 32 days, 3 days and 39.5 days respectively. The unacceptable patients delay was 53.21% (95% CI: 48.12-58.29) of all new patients, whereas it was 26.74% (95% CI: 22.23-31.24) for the unacceptable health system delay and the unacceptable total delay was 62.83% (95% CI: 57.91-67.75). TB diagnosis and treatment is still a significant problem of Nepal. Majority of unacceptable delays were from patients. Identifying factors influencing delays and developing evidence-based approaches to address those delays will help in advancing tuberculosis prevention and management in low-income settings.

The "Health system delay" in tuberculosis patients in Saint-Louis Senegal

Sixty patients with positive acid fast bacilli sputum smears between were enrolled consecutively between March and August 2012 in the Saint-Louis (Senegal) health district to determine the Health System Delay in response to tuberculosis. The length of time between the first consultation of a TB patient and the start of treatment was, on average, 8.1 days and is among the shortest in the literature. This promptness reduces the risk of infection related to delayed care. This is one of the focuses of the National Programme of Fight against nosocomial infections in Senegal (PRONALIN), as well as the implementation of environmental procedures and the use of masks and respiratory protection equipment.

Delay in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis in Uzbekistan: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundEarly diagnosis and prompt effective therapy are crucial for the prevention of tuberculosis (TB) transmission, particularly in regions with high levels of multi-drug resistant TB. This study aimed to evaluate the extent of delay in diagnosis and treatment of TB in Uzbekistan and identify associated risk factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed on hospital patients with newly diagnosed TB. The time between the onset of respiratory symptoms and initiation of anti-TB treatment was assessed and delays were divided into patient, health system and total delays. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate determinants of diagnostic and treatment delay.ResultsAmong 538 patients enrolled, the median delay from onset of symptoms until treatment with anti-TB drugs was 50 days. Analysis of the factors affecting health-seeking behaviour and timely treatment showed the presence of the patient factor. Self-medication was the first health-seeking action for 231 (43%) patients and proved to be a significant predictor of delay (p = 0.005), as well as coughing (p = 0.009), loss of weight (p = 0.001), and visiting private and primary healthcare facilities (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively).ConclusionTB diagnostic and treatment delay was mainly contributed to by patient delay and should be reduced through increasing public awareness of TB symptoms and improving public health-seeking behaviour for timely initiation of anti-TB treatment. Efforts should be made to minimise irrational use of antibiotics and support interventions to restrict over-the-counter availability of antibiotics.

Determinants of consultation, diagnosis and treatment delays among new smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Morocco: a cross-sectional study

We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 2012 in 12 selected provinces and prefectures in Morocco to determine consultation delay (patient delay), diagnosis delay and treatment delay (health system delays), and factors relating to these delays. The sample included 250 eligible and consenting newly diagnosed smearpositive pulmonary tuberculosis patients who were interviewed at the time of their registration within Diagnosis of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Reference Centers (CDTMR) or Integrated Health Centers (CSI) using a pretested and structured questionnaire. The median total delay was 46 days [inter-quartile interval (IQI) = 29-84 days]. Patient delay (median = 20; IQI = 8-47 days) was higher than health system delay (median=15; IIQ = 7-35 days). Being illiterate, thinking symptoms will disappear by themselves; having financial constraints and feeling fear of diagnosis or social isolation were associated with patient delay. Consulting first in the private sector or having 3 or more consultations before diagnosis was associated with health system delay.

Diagnostic Delay in Pediatric Cancer in Enugu, Nigeria: A Prospective Study

Childhood cancer is a leading cause of childhood mortality in developed countries though ranks lower than infections in developing countries. Most patients with malignancies present late to hospital with consequent adverse outcome. Early diagnosis, therefore, is an important requirement in pediatric oncology as delayed diagnosis is associated with poor prognosis and huge economic cost. The study aims to identify factors associated with delay in the diagnosis of childhood cancer at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.Children aged 0–17 years with admitting diagnosis of cancer which was histologically confirmed were reviewed prospectively over a 3-year period. An interviewer structured questionnaire was administered to patients or parents/caregivers to obtain information on patients’ biodata, their symptoms as well as visit to health professionals or alternative health care providers before presentation at this hospital.Ninety patients were confirmed to have cancer. Overall median lag time (LT) was 15.7 weeks. Major contributors to delay were parents and the type of cancer patients presented with. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) had the shortest median LT of 4.2 weeks while Hodgkin's disease had the longest median LT of 53.6 weeks (p = 0.01, Mann-Whitney test, 2-tailed). The median parent's delay was 12.3 weeks and health system delay was 3.6 weeks showing a significant difference in the two categories of delay (p < 0.0001, Mann-Whitney test, 2-tailed). The median treatment delay was 5 days.Public awareness and health system reform is imperative in reducing the delay in diagnosis of childhood cancer in our environment.

Delays in diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis in Wakiso and Mukono districts, Uganda.

BackgroundDelay in tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis may worsen the disease and increase TB transmission. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment is critical in TB control. We aimed to assess the treatment delay of pulmonary TB and its determinants in two Ugandan districts where TB infection control (TBIC) guidelines were formerly implemented.MethodsA facility based cross-sectional study was conducted in Mukono and Wakiso districts. Adult pulmonary TB patients within three months of initiating treatment were included in the study. Delays were categorized into unacceptable patient delay (more than 3 weeks from the onset of cough and the first consultation with a health care provider), health service (more than one week from the first consultation to the initiation of TB treatment) and total delay (more than 4 weeks since the onset of cough). The prevalences as well as predictors for the three delays were determined.ResultsWe enrolled 158 sputum positive patients. Unacceptable patient delay was noted in 91 (58%) patients, a health service delay in 140 (88%) patients and a total delay in 140 (90%) patients. An independent predictor for patient delay was male gender (p < 0.001). First visiting a non-public health facility (p = 0.001) was an independent predictor of health service delay.ConclusionThere is still a significant TB diagnosis and treatment delay in Uganda. Most of the delay was caused by health system delay in the non-public health care sector. There is need for TB advocacy in the community, training of health workers in TBIC and strengthening public-private partnerships in TB control.

Patient and health system delays in the diagnosis and treatment of new and retreatment pulmonary tuberculosis cases in Malawi

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) control remains a challenge in Malawi despite the National TB Control Program since 1984. This study aimed at measuring patient and health system delays and identifying factors associated with these delays.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 588 pulmonary TB patients was conducted in three TB centres in Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu, between July and December 2011 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Patient delay was defined as the time interval between the onset of TB symptom(s) (a common symptom being coughing) to the first visit to any health provider. Health system delay was the interval from the first care-seeking visit at any health provider to the initiation of anti-tuberculosis treatment. Participants were invited to participate in the study during intensive phase of treatment. The characteristics associated with patient and health system delays were analyzed.ResultsThe median patient delay was 14 days for both new and retreatment TB cases (interquartile range [IQR] 14 – 28 and 7 – 21, respectively). The median health system delay was 59 days (IQR 26 – 108) for new and 40.5 days (IQR 21–90) for retreatment cases. Factors associated with longer patient delay in new cases included primary education (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.2, 95% CI 1.3 – 3.9) and knowledge that more than three weeks of coughing is a sign of TB (AOR 1.9, 1.1 – 3.3). In retreatment cases, distance >10 Km (AOR 3.3, 1.1 – 9.6) and knowledge that more than three weeks of coughing is a sign of TB (AOR 3.7, 1.3 – 10.7; p < 0.05) were significant factors. Making the first visit to a health centre (OR 1.9, 0.9 – 3.8) or a drug store/ traditional healer (OR 5.1, 1.1 – 21.7) in new TB cases were associated with a longer health system delay (p < 0.05) while smear negative (OR 6.4, 1.5 – 28.3), and smear unknown or not done (OR 6.1, 1.3 – 26.9) among retreatment cases were associated with a longer health system delay (p < 0.05).ConclusionsEffective management and new diagnostic techniques are needed especially among retreatment cases. It is also needed to address geographic barriers to accessing care and increasing TB awareness in the community.

Determinants of delays in diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis in a new urban township in India: A cross-sectional study

Background: The period of infectiousness of a new sputum smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis case is important in determining the risk of exposure faced by the community. Early detection and effective treatment of TB case reduces the period of transmission and the risk of exposure of the community. It is for this reason that the delay in TB diagnosis and treatment should be minimal to control disease transmission and patient suffering. Aims & Objective: To measure delays in diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, and to identify and assess the risk factors associated with these delays. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of all new smear-positive pulmonary TB patients diagnosed between January 2012 and June 2013 at RNTCP clinic. The time from the onset of symptoms to first health care consultation (patient delay) and the time from first health care consultation to the date of TB diagnosis (health system delay) were analysed. Bivariate and logistics regression were applied to analyse the risk factors of delays. Results: A total of 122 patients with a mean age of 29.9 years were included in the study. Mean total delay between the onset of symptoms and treatment initiation was 53.42 days (median 50, range 14-128), with a mean patient delay of 29.24 days (median 25, range 5-94) and mean health system delay of 21.7 days (median 17, range 3–93). The mean treatment delay was 2.48 days (median 2, range 1-6). Factors independently associated with total delay were cough symptom (OR 3.36, P = 0.038), completed secondary school (OR 0.41, P = 0.018), good knowledge of TB symptoms (OR 0.39, P = 0.011), first visit to a public health facility (OR 0.45, P = 0.044), sputum testing at first health care consultation (OR 0.46, P = 0.048) and stigma attached to TB disease (OR 2.89, P = 0.021). Those associated with patient delay were male sex (OR 0.42, P = 0.020), large family size (OR 2.30, P = 0.027), completed secondary school (OR 0.43, P = 0.025) and good knowledge of TB symptoms (OR 0.45, P = 0.029); while those associated with health system delay were first visit to a public health facility (OR 0.31, P = 0.006), sputum testing at first health care consultation (OR 0.22, P = 0.001), number of health care consultations (OR 4.41, P < 0.001) and pre-diagnosis health care cost (OR 3.35, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Health system delay was an important problem in the area studied, with patient delay being of most concern. Key-Words: Pulmonary Tuberculosis; Patient Delay; Health System Delay; Treatment Delay; Risk Factors

Factors Causing Delay of Access to Tuberculosis Diagnosis Among New, Active Tuberculosis Patients

Few studies have examined, in a prospective cohort study, factors causing delay of access to tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis among new, active TB patients. A prospective cohort study (2009-2011) was carried out among 408 889 Chinese. Data on known/potential influencing factors were obtained from baseline questionnaires. We used stepwise logistic regression models to analyze the association between several known/potential influencing factors and diagnosis delay, assessed the current situation, and explored determinants of diagnosis delay. During follow-up and final visits, 202 new, active TB patients were found. Median patient delay was 5.4 (quartile 2.7-26) weeks, health system delay was 0 (quartile 0-1.6) weeks, and diagnosis delay was 9.9 (quartile 3.1-28.1) weeks. The influencing factors on patient delay were age and duration of symptoms. Smoking and sputum smear status were influencing factors for health system delay, and duration of symptoms was one of the factors for diagnosis delay. These findings provide information on the current situation of diagnosis delay and evidence for specific strategy development for TB control in China.

Factors influencing time to diagnosis and initiation of treatment of endemic Burkitt Lymphoma among children in Uganda and western Kenya: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundSurvival rates for children diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma (BL) in Africa are far below those achieved in developed countries. Late stage of presentation contributes to poor prognosis, therefore this study investigated factors leading to delays in BL diagnosis and treatment of children in Uganda and western Kenya.MethodsGuardians of children diagnosed with BL were interviewed at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JTRH) and Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) from Jan-Dec 2010. Information on sociodemographics, knowledge, attitudes, illness perceptions, health-seeking behaviors and prior health encounters was collected using a standardized, pre-tested questionnaire.ResultsEighty-two guardians were interviewed (20 JTRH, 62 UCI). Median "total delay" (1st symptoms to BL diagnosis) was 12.1 weeks [interquartile range (IQR) 4.9-19.9] in Kenya and 12.9 weeks (IQR 4.3-25.7) in Uganda. In Kenya, median "guardian delay" (1st symptoms to 1st health encounter) and "health system delay" (1st health encounter to BL diagnosis) were 9.0 weeks (IQR 3.6-15.7) and 2.0 weeks (IQR 1.6-5.8), respectively. Data on guardian and health system delay in Uganda were only available for those with < 4 prior health encounters (n = 26). Of these, median guardian delay was 4.3 weeks (range 0.7-149.9), health system delay 2.6 weeks (range 0.1-16.0), and total delay 10.7 weeks (range 1.7-154.3). Guardians in Uganda reported more health encounters than those in Kenya (median 5, range 3–16 vs. median 3, range 2–6). Among Kenyan guardians, source of income was the only independent predictor of delay, whereas in Uganda, guardian delay was influenced by guardians’ beliefs on the curability of cancer, health system delay, by guardians’ perceptions of cancer as a contagious disease, and total delay, by the number of children in the household and guardians’ role as caretaker. Qualitative findings suggest financial costs, transportation, and other household responsibilities were major barriers to care.ConclusionsDelays from symptom onset to BL treatment were considerable given the rapid growth rate of this cancer, with guardian delay constituting the majority of total delay in both settings. Future interventions should aim to reduce structural barriers to care and increase awareness of BL in particular and cancer in general within the community, as well as among health professionals.

Detection and characteristics of individuals with a very long duration of untreated psychosis in an early intervention for psychosis service

Early intervention (EI) services for psychosis aim to reduce the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) with intensive large-scale multi-focus initiatives, including public awareness campaigns. As a consequence of this approach, individuals with a very long DUP who might have otherwise remained undiagnosed may come to medical attention. The aim of this study was to investigate if an EI service detected additional cases of individuals with a first-episode psychosis (FEP) with a very long DUP and identify demographic and clinical characteristics associated with a very long DUP. We compared the distribution of the DUP in cases with FEP in a cohort from an EI service in a geographically defined catchment area with a historical control group. Participants were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) diagnoses and the Beiser scale to determine the DUP. A total of 172 individuals were included in the EI service and 151 were included from the historical control. There was no difference in the distribution of the DUP in the EI service compared with the historical control group (χ(2) = 3.77, degrees of freedom (d.f.) = 3, P = 0.29). In the EI service, 7.6% of cases had a DUP between 24 and 35.9 months compared to 3.3% in the historical control, and 13.4% of cases in the EI service had a DUP of greater than three years compared to 10.6% in the historical control. A very long DUP was associated with unemployment, less insight and involuntary treatment. Further examination of the pathways to care in cases with a long DUP may clarify the contribution of help-seeking and health system delays for these individuals.

Human influenza A H5N1 in Indonesia: health care service-associated delays in treatment initiation

BackgroundIndonesia has had more recorded human cases of influenza A H5N1 than any other country, with one of the world’s highest case fatality rates. Understanding barriers to treatment may help ensure life-saving influenza-specific treatment is provided early enough to meaningfully improve clinical outcomes.MethodsData for this observational study of humans infected with influenza A H5N1 were obtained primarily from Ministry of Health, Provincial and District Health Office clinical records. Data included time from symptom onset to presentation for medical care, source of medical care provided, influenza virology, time to initiation of influenza-specific treatment with antiviral drugs, and survival.ResultsData on 124 human cases of virologically confirmed avian influenza were collected between September 2005 and December 2010, representing 73% of all reported Indonesia cases. The median time from health service presentation to antiviral drug initiation was 7.0 days. Time to viral testing was highly correlated with starting antiviral treatment (p < 0.0001). We found substantial variability in the time to viral testing (p = 0.04) by type of medical care provider. Antivirals were started promptly after diagnosis (median 0 days).ConclusionsDelays in the delivery of appropriate care to human cases of avian influenza H5N1 in Indonesia appear related to delays in diagnosis rather than presentation to health care settings. Either cases are not suspected of being H5N1 cases until nearly one week after presenting for medical care, or viral testing and/or antiviral treatment is not available where patients are presenting for care. Health system delays have increased since 2007.