Awareness Of Tuberculosis Research Articles

Person-centered and youth-oriented interventions to improve TB Care for adolescents and young adults.

Globally adolescents and young adults (AYA) with tuberculosis (TB) face unique challenges. Until recently they have received little attention and few tailored interventions exist. To improve TB outcomes in this population, there is a need to implement tailored interventions. However, limited research has been conducted about how to meet the needs of AYA with tuberculosis. In this paper we present the findings of a qualitative study to explore the needs of AYA with TB in Zimbabwe and to identify interventions to optimize their engagement in TB care. We conducted two participatory workshops with 16 AYA, aged 10-24 years diagnosed with TB to explore their experiences of TB disease and treatment. Through subsequent interviews with 15 of the same AYA and with two other key stakeholder groups (health care providers n = 11 and policy makers n = 9), we sought to identify areas of convergence and divergence about what youth-orientated services and policies would be effective in Zimbabwe. Qualitative data were analyzed iteratively and thematically. The findings are presented to align with four levels of a socio-ecological framework: individual, community, health system and policy. All three stakeholder groups highlighted the unmet mental health and TB literacy needs of AYA, which are particularly acute early in their TB care journey, as well as the imperative of engendering family support and securing the continuity of educational or employment opportunities during and after receiving TB care. There was a consensus that clinical services needed to become more youth-centered by extending training for health care providers and investing in peer-delivered psychosocial support. More broadly, there was also a strong consensus that adolescent-specific TB policies require further development and implementation, accompanied by community-based TB education and awareness campaigns to emphasize the curability of TB and to reduce TB related stigma. There is much to be done to improve TB care for AYA. We found that there is need for alignment on where investment is needed to support the development of context-appropriate and effective interventions. There is an opportunity to benefit from translational learning from other successful approaches, such as HIV, within the region. Implementation of evidence-based interventions and youth-friendly policies and programs are much needed to improve outcomes for AYA with TB.

Looking at Tuberculosis Through the Lens of the Vulnerable Population in Parañaque City

This study aimed to support Tuberculosis (TB) advocacy and demand generation initiatives by documenting the experiences of selected population groups in Parañaque City, Philippines. It explored vulnerable populations' perspectives on tuberculosis, health promotion activities, challenges in maintaining health, and access points to health services and information. Through focus group discussions and key informant interviews, 22 elderly individuals, 18 tricycle drivers, 12 barangay health workers, and two public health nurses participated in the study. The findings highlighted various aspects of TB knowledge and awareness, including identification, risk factors, lifestyle, and treatment. The themes that emerged around understanding TB identification included perceived susceptibility, misconceptions, and treatment approaches. Participants' experiences underscored access to information and services, health-seeking behavior, and emotional responses regarding TB. Challenges identified included household situations, perceived stigma, and discrimination, shedding light on community attitudes. Varying perceptions of healthcare services were noted, with some valuing free services at health centers while others found access challenging. The study also underscores the importance of community TB knowledge, tailored healthcare, stigma reduction, and ensuring access to health programs, particularly for vulnerable groups. Advocacy recommendations include maximizing community-based information sharing through training, developing tailored health education approaches, and enhancing health literacy materials. Furthermore, advocating for flexible healthcare service delivery options, stigma reduction activities, and increased community engagement efforts are crucial. These measures are vital for effective TB control and improving overall community wellbeing, particularly in addressing the unique needs of vulnerable populations.

Perinatal tuberculosis-An approach to an under-recognized diagnosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) in young infants (<3 months of age), often referred to as perinatal TB, is underdiagnosed, leading to severe morbidity and high mortality. Perinatal TB includes both congenital and postnatal transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We aimed to increase an awareness of TB in neonates and young infants and to provide guidance on the assessment and management when in contact with mothers with TB during or soon after pregnancy. Approximately 217,000 pregnant women develop TB annually; if they are not diagnosed and treated during pregnancy, their infants are at high risk of adverse birth outcomes and TB disease. Although safe and effective antituberculosis treatment regimens are available during pregnancy, the diagnosis of TB is challenging. Infants born to mothers newly diagnosed with TB, not receiving any effective treatment or with cultures not yet negative, should be assessed for TB disease or M. tuberculosis infection. TB preventive therapy should be instituted if the infant is clinically well but exposed to TB, while prompt initiation of TB treatment is essential if TB disease is presumed. HIV status of mother and infant should be considered as this will affect the management. Further research is needed for the diagnosis and prevention of TB during pregnancy, an early diagnosis of TB in infants, and antituberculosis drug pharmacokinetics in young infants.

Percentage and Absolute CD4+ Count and Factors Influencing Their Levels in Tuberculosis Patients in a Tetiary Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria

Background: The role of CD4+ T cells in immunity against tuberculosis have been widely acknowledged. This study determined CD4+ absolute, CD4 percentage and haemoglobin (HB) levels in tuberculosis (TB) patients undergoing TB treatment and compared these levels with presence of some factors which could modify the quantities of CD4+, CD4% and HB in TB patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study of eighty-five persons attending TB DOTS clinic in tertiary hospital between 2020 to 2021. Multicolour fluorescence imaging and absorbance spectrometry microscopy was used to enumerate CD4+ absolute count, CD4+ percentage and HB concentration in whole blood. Questionnaire and interviews were used to determine history, demographic data, BCG vaccination, BCG scar, vitamin A supplementation, awareness of zoonotic diseases and zoonotic TB, maternal BCG vaccination status, maternal BCG scar and undernutrition for each respondent. Results: CD4% significantly differed between forty-seven males (mean age: 33.5) and thirty-eight females (mean age: 32.2) (p &lt;0.05). T-test indicated no significant difference in CD4+ count, CD4% and HB compared with BCG vaccination status, presence of BCG scar, knowledge of zoonotic diseases, knowledge of zoonotic TB and with vitamin A supplementation (p &lt;0.05). There was also significant difference in CD4% compared with undernutrition and in absolute CD4+ counts compared with drug resistance (p &lt;0.05). Conversely, there was significant difference in CD4% and absolute CD4+ count when compared with maternal BCG vaccination, presence of maternal BCG Scar. Pearson correlation coefficient indicated weak negative relationship between CD4%, absolute CD4+ count and age. Also, weak positive relationship between HB and age. Both relationships were not significant (p &lt;0.05). Conclusion: Undernutrition, gender, maternal BCG vaccination (with or without scaring) and age influence levels of CD4+ in TB patients.

The necessity for enhancing awareness of tuberculosis starting from the early college semesters: empirical evidence from a cross-sectional research.

College students, especially those in the lower grades, constitute the main high-risk population for tuberculosis (TB). Insufficient knowledge about TB among college students contributes to an increased risk of TB infection. In Zhejiang Province, China, limited research has been conducted recently on the awareness of TB in schools among college students. Therefore, this study aims to gain insight into TB knowledge among low-grade college students in Zhejiang Province and develop effective strategies for TB education targeted at this specific population. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 1st and 20th May 2022 in 20 colleges in Zhejiang Province, southeastern China. The survey aimed to assess the level of TB awareness among 1st and 2nd-year college students. Chi-square tests were performed to compare the rates, while multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the factors influencing the overall awareness level of students' regarding key knowledge about TB. A total of 4,414 lower-grade students participated in the study. The total awareness rate and entire awareness rate of key TB knowledge were 81.6 and 25.3%, respectively. Participants who demonstrated a relatively poor understanding of the definition were (51.0%), curable outcomes (75.7%), and preventive measures of TB (76.1%). Female participants [adjusted odds ratio (aOR):1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.25-1.65], medical students (aOR:2.00; 95%CI:1.63-2.64), had a high level of monthly expenditures (aOR:2.50; 95%CI:1.49-4.19), had prior TB health education (aOR:1.95; 95%CI:1.68-2.25) and previous exposure to TB patients (aOR:2.13; 95% CI:1.48-3.08) indicating a better level of awareness of key knowledge about TB. Among the students, 58.5% expressed their willingness to acquire TB knowledge through "broadcasting, television, films, and audiovisual materials." The total awareness rate of key knowledge among low-grade college students in Zhejiang did not meet the national requirements. To effectively prevent TB in schools, it is crucial to develop a comprehensive understanding of the disease among college students. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance TB awareness through theoretical and practical education, starting from the early semesters of college.

Acceptability of decentralizing childhood tuberculosis diagnosis in low-income countries with high tuberculosis incidence: Experiences and perceptions from health care workers in Sub-Saharan Africa and South-East Asia.

Decentralizing childhood tuberculosis services, including diagnosis, is now recommended by the WHO and could contribute to increasing tuberculosis detection in high burden countries. However, implementing microbiological tests and clinical evaluation could be challenging for health care workers (HCWs) in Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and even District Hospitals (DHs). We sought to assess the acceptability of decentralizing a comprehensive childhood tuberculosis diagnosis package from HCWs' perspective. We conducted implementation research nested within the TB-Speed Decentralization study. HCWs from two health districts of Cambodia, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Uganda implemented systematic screening, nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) and stool sample collection with molecular testing, clinical evaluation and chest X-ray (CXR) interpretation. We investigated their experiences and perceptions in delivering the diagnostic package components in 2020-21 using individual semi-structured interviews. We conducted thematic analysis, supported by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. HCWs (n = 130, 55% female, median age 36 years, 53% nurses, 72% PHC-based) perceived that systematic screening, although increasing workload, was beneficial as it improved childhood tuberculosis awareness. Most HCWs shared satisfaction and confidence in performing NPA, despite procedure duration, need to involve parents/colleagues and discomfort for children. HCWs shared positive attitudes towards stool sample-collection but were frustrated by delayed stool collection associated with cultural practices, transport and distance challenges. Molecular testing, conducted by nurses or laboratory technicians, was perceived as providing quality results, contributing to diagnosis. Clinical evaluation and diagnosis raised self-efficacy issues and need for continuous training and clinical mentoring. HCWs valued CXR, however complained that technical and logistical problems limited access to digital reports. Referral from PHC to DH was experienced as burdensome. HCWs at DH and PHC-levels perceived and experienced decentralized childhood tuberculosis diagnosis as acceptable. Implementation however could be hampered by feasibility issues, and calls for innovative referral mechanisms for patients, samples and CXR.

Perception and Risk Factors Associated with Tuberculosis in the Manyara Region, Tanzania

Tuberculosis (TB) results from infection with members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and represents a major global public health concern. We here sought to assess the perceptions of human and animal TB and the prevalence of circulating MTBCs lineages and associated risk factors through a cross-sectional survey of 335 individuals presenting with symptoms of pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB in the Manyara region of Tanzania. After the enrollment of participants, a questionnaire survey was conducted, samples were collected for bacterial culture, and real-time multiplex PCR was performed to differentiate amongst primary animal and human MTBC lineages. The results show poor TB awareness: 31.6% of the participants were not aware of human TB; 82.4% were unaware of animal TB and 95.2% lacked awareness of zoonotic TB (zTB) transmission. A total of 18 recovered specimens (5%; 95% CI: 3–8%) were positive by culture, all of which were typed as M. tuberculosis sensu stricto using a lineage-specific PCR assay. While no single risk factor was significantly associated with MTBC culture positivity, the survey revealed considerable self-reported high-risk practices for contracting zTB. Together, the results show that Manyara residents have poor knowledge of diseases caused by MTBCs and high evidence of risky practices for contracting zTB.

The Prevalence of Self-Reported Tuberculosis in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India: Evidence from the NFHS-IV and V.

Since 1992, many rounds of the National Family Health Surveys have produced a significant quantity of data in India. The magnitude of the tuberculosis (TB) burden in Andaman and Nicobar Island can be better understood with this data. The household-level information on self-reported TB may provide useful information on the prevalence and distribution of TB as well as care-seeking behaviour. The primary objective is to analyse the data from the NFHS-IV and NFHS-V to understand the prevalence of self-reported TB as well as healthcare-seeking patterns for TB in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. We performed secondary data analysis of NFHS-IV and NFHS-V data. After taking into consideration the survey's cluster design and sampling weights, the prevalence was estimated. The association of identified factors with self-reported TB was investigated using the chi-square and logistic regression models. The point prevalence of self-reported TB was 615 (418, 873) and 221 (122, 367) in the NFHS-IV and NFHS-V, respectively (p = 0.012). The elderly, those from rural areas, those belonging to a tribe, and those with a poor wealth index were more likely to report TB. Self-reported TB prevalence was higher in the Nicobar district. There is an increase in a significant proportion of individuals not seeking care. The NFHS-IV and NFHS-V show a decline in self-reported TB, which is consistent with national estimates. However, the enhanced TB case detection in individuals at high risk of TB among the Nicobar districts and tribal communities could significantly contribute to the fight against tuberculosis. Improved awareness of TB could improve care seeking for TB.

Factors leading to diagnostic delay in tuberculosis in the tropical north of Australia.

Tuberculosis (TB) incidence is decreasing in the Northern Territory (NT) but still exceeds rates elsewhere in Australia. Deaths and morbidity from advanced TB continue, with delay in diagnosis a contributor to adverse outcomes. We aimed to describe the delay in diagnosis of TB, identify risk factors for delay and examine the associations between delay and clinical outcomes. We conducted a historical cohort analysis which included adult inpatients diagnosed with TB at the Royal Darwin Hospital from 2010 to 2020. Patient delay was measured as time from symptom onset to first seeking care, and health system delay was quantified as time from first relevant clinical contact to diagnosis. The sum of these two periods was the total delay. Ethics approval was granted by NT HREC (2020-3852). Eighty-four cases were included; the median total delay was 90 days (interquartile range (IQR): 60-121), patient delay was 53 days (IQR: 30-90), and health system delay was 21 days (IQR: 12-45). Patient delay was longer among patients with extrapulmonary (median: 100 days (IQR: 90-105) compared with pulmonary TB patients (39 days (IQR: 27-54), P < 0.0001). Health system delay was longer in those aged ≥45 years (30 days (IQR: 16-51) vs younger patients (14 days (IQR: 8-30), P = 0.007) and among non-smokers (31 days (IQR: 21-55) vs 21 days (IQR: 10-40), P = 0.048). Median delay was longer among patients with non-drug-related complications of disease (P < 0.0001), those admitted to critical care (P < 0.0001), and those with respiratory failure (P = 0.001). The patient delays we report are longer than reported elsewhere in Australia. The next steps will require concerted efforts to improve community awareness of TB and strategies to strengthen health systems through better resourcing and healthcare provider support.

Facilitators and barriers to tuberculosis active case findings in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review of qualitative research

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is an ancient infection and a major public health problem in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Active case finding (ACF) programs have been established to effectively reduce TB in endemic global communities. However, there is little information about the evidence-based benefits of active case finding at both the individual and community levels. Accurately identifying the facilitators and barriers to TB-ACF provides information that can be used in planning and design as the world aims to end the global TB epidemic by 2035. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the facilitators and barriers to tuberculosis ACF in LMICs.MethodsA systematic search was performed using recognized databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, HINARI, and other reference databases. Relevant studies that assessed or reported the ACF of TB conducted in LMICs were included in this study. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of the selected studies. The Statement of Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) was used to strengthen the protocol for this systematic review. The Confidence of Evidence Review Quality (CERQual) approach was also used to assess the reliability of the review findings.ResultsFrom 228 search results, a total of 23 studies were included in the final review. Tuberculosis ACF results were generated under two main themes: barriers and facilitators in LMICs, and two sub-themes of the barriers (healthcare-related and non-healthcare-related barriers). Finally, barriers to active TB case finding were found to be related to (1) the healthcare workers’ experience, knowledge, and skills in detecting TB-ACF, (2) distance and time; (3) availability and workload of ACF healthcare workers; (4) barriers related to a lack of resources such as diagnostic equipment, reagents, and consumables at TB-ACF; (5) the stigma associated with TB-ACF detection; (6) the lack of training of existing and new healthcare professionals to detect TB-ACF; (7) communication strategies and language limitations associated with TB ACF; and (8) poor or no community awareness of tuberculosis. Stigma was the most patient-related obstacle to detecting active TB cases in LMICs.ConclusionThis review found that surveillance, monitoring, health worker training, integration into health systems, and long-term funding of health facilities were key to the sustainability of ACF in LMICs. Understanding the elimination of the identified barriers is critical to ensuring a maximum tuberculosis control strategy through ACF.

Unity3D FPS TB CARE Game for Tuberculosis Awareness among Digital Native Children

The present study focuses on the development of the TB CARE game, with the aim of addressing the limited knowledge about tuberculosis (TB) in the community, particularly among children. Considering the digital native nature of generation Z, games are adopted as an appropriate medium for dissemination. Employing the observation method, specifically blackbox testing, the study evaluates the game's performance through tests and questionnaires. The findings indicate a significant success rate of approximately 93.5%, signifying the game's efficacy in accordance with the projected outcomes. The TB CARE game exhibits promising potential for future advancements in line with evolving science and technology&#x0D; Highlights:&#x0D; &#x0D; Development of engaging Unity3D FPS TB CARE game to address TB knowledge gap among children.&#x0D; Successful implementation of blackbox testing, with approximately 93.5% game feasibility.&#x0D; Promising potential for future advancements in line with evolving science and technology.&#x0D;

Household Contact Tuberculosis Screening Adherence and Associated Factors Among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients on Follow-Up at Health Facilities in Shashamane Town, Southeast Ethiopia.

The greatest risk of getting tuberculosis (TB) infection is contact with patients who have pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends tuberculosis screening for all household contacts of PTB patients. However, there is no information on household contact screening adherence among PTB patients in Shashamane town. A facility-based mixed-method cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1 to November 30, 2021 among consecutively selected 392 PTB patients and 23 purposely selected key informants. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire and leading questions. Data analysis was made using SPSS version 25 and in-depth interview information was analyzed based on thematic areas. Bivariable followed by multivariable logistic regression with 95% CI were conducted. P-value<0.05 was considered to identify statistically significant factors. The overall adherence to household contact screening (HHCS) was 44.4% (95% CI: 39.3, 49.1). Having under fifteen years of contact (AOR=2.386, 95% CI: 1.44, 3.96), diploma and above education status (AOR=3.43, 95% CI: 1.286, 9.15), good knowledge (AOR=2.999, 95% CI: 1.79, 5.03), favorable attitude (AOR=2.409, 95% CI: 1.45, 4.02), getting health education (AOR=3.287, 95% CI: 1.92, 5.63) and smear positive type of PTB (AOR=2.156, 95% CI: 1.28, 3.62) were factors significantly associated with HHCS adherence. Workload, facility readiness and care provide commitments were also identified from qualitative data. HHCS adherence in our study was sub-optimal referenced to WHO and national recommendations that all household contact should be screened. Having age less than fifteen years contact, education status, knowledge, attitude, receiving health education and type of pulmonary tuberculosis were factors associated with adherence. We recommend increasing community awareness of TB, providing health education TB patients and their families, strengthening positive attitudes toward HHC screening and strengthening the commitment of health professionals to screen for HHCs.

Empowerment of Class IIA Prison Jember in Participatory Actions to Achieve Pulmonary Tuberculosis Elimination by 2030

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the single agent causing pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), infects 1.8 billion people, or around one-quarter of the world's total population. In Indonesia, there are an estimated 969,000 cases of pulmonary TB, including 443,235 reported cases. Prison is a high transmission site for pulmonary TB. Prison circumstances, such as high occupancy capacity, inadequate ventilation and nutrition, difficulties accessing health care, inadequate treatment, and weak patient immunity, are some of the variables influencing this. Knowledge on the origins, transmission, preventative strategies, and early diagnosis of pulmonary TB infection is essential for the prisoner in order to change attitudes toward pulmonary TB infection. This Community Service Program intends to expand the prisoner's knowledge about pulmonary TB via 3 stages including preparation, implementation, and evaluation. The target of this program is 47 male prisoners in the Prison of Jember Class IIA. The findings were evaluated after delivering pulmonary TB counseling materials (post test) and revealed an increase in the mean value to 79.6, implying that prisoner's awareness of pulmonary TB increased.

Detection of Tuberculosis in Toddlers and its Risk Factor at East Perak Health Center Surabaya

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a contagious disease that can grow fast due to its transmissibility through aerosols. One of the countries with the highest tuberculosis rates is Indonesia with a case fatality rate of 11.59%. This study's objective was to examine the relationship between the physical condition of the house and the immune system and the incidence of tuberculosis in toddlers in Surabaya. Methods: This study used an analytic survey research design with a case control research methodology. The case population consisted of pediatric patients aged 0-5 years who were clinically diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. The Chi-Square test was used to analyze bivariate data with a confidence level of 0.05 (α = 5%). Results and Discussion: The physical condition of the house that influenced the incidence of tuberculosis in toddlers were room temperature (p = 0.009; OR = 8.300; CI = 1.480-46.936) and room humidity (p = 0.000; OR = 7.600; CI = 1.609-35.906) while the immune system that affected the incidence of tuberculosis in toddlers were history of tuberculosis sufferers in the family (p = 0.018; OR = 6.000; CI = 1.266-28.498) and exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.003; OR = 10.000; CI = 1.998-50.042). Conclusion: Houses with inadequate room temperature and humidity have an increased risk of tuberculosis development. Moreover, tuberculosis risk factors include a history of exclusive breastfeeding and a family history of tuberculosis. Health promotion by community health centers is expected to increase awareness of pediatric tuberculosis.

Pulmonary tuberculosis vs. Tindzhaka and Mafularha: A mixed methods inquiry of traditional healers' perceptions of tuberculosis in rural South Africa.

Although awareness of tuberculosis (TB) is high in South Africa, delays in TB testing or treatment persist. Even those with symptoms of TB often delay testing, with one study in Mpumalanga revealing a median allopathic care-seeking delay of four weeks. We sought to understand how traditional healers perceived TB symptoms among their patients, if they treated the disease, and what (if any) illnesses they defined as being traditional may have overlapping presentation with TB in South Africa. Nineteen traditional healers completed an in-depth interview (IDIs); 133 completed a quantitative survey about their treatment practices. IDIs focused on lung diseases treated, disease causation, treatment, and prognosis. Survey questions investigated diagnosis of lung ailments, including those treated by the allopathic health system and those by traditional healers. Traditional healers reported that they could differentiate between TB and traditional illnesses, like Tindzhaka and Mafularha, that presented with similar symptoms. Few (7.5%) believed they could treat TB, but the majority (72.9%) believed they could successfully treat Tindzhaka and Mafularha. Tindzhaka and Mafularha are interconnected illnesses that are reportedly caused by breaking social rules around death, sex and using the belongings of someone who recently passed away. Both, if not treated, are considered fatal. While we have no definitive data, traditional healers may be contributing to delays in the diagnosis and treatment for people with active TB by incorrectly diagnosing TB as Tindzhaka or Mafularha. Overcoming issues of trust and compensation, while respecting different forms of knowledge, are some of the challenges we face in successfully engaging with healers.

Quality of life among tuberculosis patients on treatment in Southwest Nigeria

BackgroundTuberculosis is still a major public health concern that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite the fact that tuberculosis has a well-established treatment, little attention is paid to the quality of life of TB patients on treatment. Poor quality of life has been linked to lower treatment adherence in patients having TB. As a result, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of tuberculosis patients and its associated factors. MethodsThe study was a cross-sectional study conducted in Southwest Nigeria among drug-susceptible tuberculosis patients between February and September 2020. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief version questionnaire was used to collect data on quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF). A total of 330 people were approached. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data. The descriptive data was analyzed using means, standard deviations, and proportions, while the Chi-Square test and binary logistic regression were used to assess the association between variables. P < 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. ResultsThe respondents' average age was 35.50 ± 11.59 years and most of the respondents (67.9%) were males. The overall mean quality of life was good (4.01 ± 0.529) with the highest score (66.47 ± 10.50) in the environmental domain and the least score (62.88 ± 15.36) in the social domain. There was an association between good quality of life and the patient's length of illness prior to diagnosis (AOR = 0.468, 95% CI = 0.225–0.973). ConclusionIn line with this study, the overall quality of life of drug-susceptible tuberculosis patients is good and is related to the duration of illness before the diagnosis of tuberculosis was made. Therefore, more efforts should be made to increase awareness of tuberculosis and intensify active case finding to enhance early case detection and a better quality of life.

Healthcare seeking patterns for TB symptoms: Findings from the first national TB prevalence survey of South Africa, 2017-2019.

Although tuberculosis (TB) symptoms have limited sensitivity they remain an important entry point into the TB care cascade. To investigate self-reported healthcare seeking for TB symptoms in participants in a community-based survey. We compared reasons for not seeking care in participants reporting ≥1 of four TB screening symptoms (cough, weight loss, night sweats, fever) in the first South African national TB prevalence survey (2017-2019). We used logistic regression analyses to identify sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with healthcare seeking. 5,168/35,191 (14.7%) survey participants reported TB symptoms and 3,442/5168 had not sought healthcare. 2,064/3,442(60.0%) participants intended to seek care, 912 (26.5%) regarded symptoms as benign, 399 (11.6%) reported access barriers(distance and cost), 36 (1.0%) took other medications and 20(0.6%) reported health system barriers. Of the 57/98 symptomatic participants diagnosed with bacteriologically confirmed TB who had not sought care: 38(66.7%) intended to do so, 8(14.0%) regarded symptoms as benign, and 6(10.5%) reported access barriers. Among these 98, those with unknown HIV status(OR 0.16 95% CI 0.03-0.82), p = 0.03 and those who smoked tobacco products(OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.17-0.89, p = 0.03) were significantly less likely to seek care. People with TB symptoms delayed seeking healthcare, many regarded symptoms as benign while others faced access barriers. Those with unknown HIV status were significantly less likely to seek care. Strengthening community-based TB awareness and screening programmes together with self-screening models could increase awareness of the significance of TB symptoms and contribute to improving healthcare seeking and enable many people with TB to enter the TB care cascade.

Time to diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis in indigenous peoples: a systematic review

BackgroundTime to diagnosis and treatment is a major factor in determining the likelihood of tuberculosis (TB) transmission and is an important area of intervention to reduce the reservoir of TB infection and prevent disease and mortality. Although Indigenous peoples experience an elevated incidence of TB, prior systematic reviews have not focused on this group. We summarize and report findings related to time to diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary TB (PTB) among Indigenous peoples, globally.MethodsA Systematic review was performed using Ovid and PubMed databases. Articles or abstracts estimating time to diagnosis, or treatment of PTB among Indigenous peoples were included with no restriction on sample size with publication dates restricted up to 2019. Studies that focused on outbreaks, solely extrapulmonary TB alone in non-Indigenous populations were excluded. Literature was assessed using the Hawker checklist. Registration Protocol (PROSPERO): CRD42018102463.ResultsTwenty-four studies were selected after initial assessment of 2021 records. These included Indigenous groups from five of six geographical regions outlined by the World Health Organization (all except the European Region). The range of time to treatment (24–240 days), and patient delay (20 days–2.5 years) were highly variable across studies and, in at least 60% of the studies, longer in Indigenous compared to non-Indigenous peoples. Risk factors associated with longer patient delays included poor awareness of TB, type of health provider first seen, and self-treatment.ConclusionTime to diagnosis and treatment estimates for Indigenous peoples are generally within previously reported ranges from other systematic reviews focusing on the general population. However among literature examined in this systematic review that stratified by Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, patient delay and time to treatment were longer compared to non-Indigenous populations in over half of the studies. Studies included were sparse and highlight an overall gap in literature important to interrupting transmission and preventing new TB cases among Indigenous peoples. Although, risk factors unique to Indigenous populations were not identified, further investigation is needed as social determinants of health among studies conducted in medium and high incidence countries may be shared across both population groups.Trial registration N/a.

Knowledge and Practice of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Prevention among in-Mates and Staff of Taraba State Correctional Centres

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern worldwide, with vulnerable populations, such as inmates and staff within correctional centers, facing unique challenges. This study conducted in Taraba state, Nigeria, aimed to assess the knowledge and practices related to TB prevention among this specific population. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed with the help of SPSS version 25 to provide insights into TB awareness, attitudes, and behaviors within 3 correctional centers in Taraba State. Simple descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequency distribution tables were used. This study revealed a diverse socio-demographic profile of participants, with variations in gender, age, education, income, occupation, religion, household size, and smoking habits. While some respondents demonstrated accurate knowledge about TB, a substantial proportion held misconceptions about its causes, transmission, and symptoms. Attitudes towards TB were generally positive, with most participants considering it a serious disease; however, fear of infection and stigmatizing attitudes persisted. Practices related to TB prevention and seeking medical care showed a range of behaviors, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The findings from this study emphasize the importance of tailored, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based TB education and awareness campaigns within correctional settings. These campaigns should address knowledge gaps, dispel myths, reduce stigma, and promote timely diagnosis and treatment. The study underscores the critical role of public health initiatives in ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, have access to accurate information and the necessary resources to prevent and control TB effectively.

Exploring Social Stigma and Awareness Towards Tuberculosis in a Municipality in Southern Philippines: A Mixed-Methods Study

Background: Social stigma and awareness are frequently associated with the low rate of clinical diagnosis, case detection, and successful treatment of patients with Tuberculosis (TB). In the Philippines, however, there have been few studies on TB stigma and awareness. Objective: The purpose of this study is to look into the level of social stigma and awareness about tuberculosis among patients, their relatives, and the community in a municipality in the southern Philippines. Methods: An institution-based survey was conducted among 244 participants from various Regional Health Units (RHU) to assess social stigma and awareness of the deadly disease. Participants were divided into three groups: patients diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB), family members of the patients, and community members. The researcher used an exploratory sequential mixed method design to get a deep understanding of the statistical relationships between the variables and their context, collecting quantitative data first and then qualitative data. Results: The findings revealed that the patient and the patient's relatives were more aware of the causes, clinical presentation, treatment, and mode of treatment of tuberculosis than members of the community, with a general mean of 1.60. This is attributed to the family's role as the primary caregiver, as well as a lack of general information and advertising about TB in the community. On the other hand, all three groups experienced high levels of social stigma, with a general mean of 1.90. Fear of transmission and discrimination were identified as the primary reasons. There is no significant relationship found between respondents' level of awareness and social stigma, which can be interpreted to mean that the stigma persists regardless of awareness. Conclusion: The study reveals that general awareness of TB among community members stems from rumour and gossip rather than legitimate sources. As a result, the patient's and family members' social stigma remains high, which can contribute to unsuccessful case detection and treatment. It is thus recommended that policymakers strengthen programmes aimed at identifying and addressing the problems that lead to stigma.