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Hambridge T, Coffeng LE, de Vlas SJ, Richardus JH. Establishing a standard method for analysing case detection delay in leprosy using a Bayesian modelling approach. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:12. [PMID: 36800979 PMCID: PMC9940321 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01065-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and remains a source of preventable disability if left undetected. Case detection delay is an important epidemiological indicator for progress in interrupting transmission and preventing disability in a community. However, no standard method exists to effectively analyse and interpret this type of data. In this study, we aim to evaluate the characteristics of leprosy case detection delay data and select an appropriate model for the variability of detection delays based on the best fitting distribution type. METHODS Two sets of leprosy case detection delay data were evaluated: a cohort of 181 patients from the post exposure prophylaxis for leprosy (PEP4LEP) study in high endemic districts of Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Tanzania; and self-reported delays from 87 individuals in 8 low endemic countries collected as part of a systematic literature review. Bayesian models were fit to each dataset to assess which probability distribution (log-normal, gamma or Weibull) best describes variation in observed case detection delays using leave-one-out cross-validation, and to estimate the effects of individual factors. RESULTS For both datasets, detection delays were best described with a log-normal distribution combined with covariates age, sex and leprosy subtype [expected log predictive density (ELPD) for the joint model: -1123.9]. Patients with multibacillary (MB) leprosy experienced longer delays compared to paucibacillary (PB) leprosy, with a relative difference of 1.57 [95% Bayesian credible interval (BCI): 1.14-2.15]. Those in the PEP4LEP cohort had 1.51 (95% BCI: 1.08-2.13) times longer case detection delay compared to the self-reported patient delays in the systematic review. CONCLUSIONS The log-normal model presented here could be used to compare leprosy case detection delay datasets, including PEP4LEP where the primary outcome measure is reduction in case detection delay. We recommend the application of this modelling approach to test different probability distributions and covariate effects in studies with similar outcomes in the field of leprosy and other skin-NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hambridge
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Luc E. Coffeng
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sake J. de Vlas
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Hendrik Richardus
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Chaychoowong K, Watson R, Barrett DI. Predictors of patient delay among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Northeast Thailand. J Infect Prev 2022; 23:222-227. [PMID: 36003128 PMCID: PMC9393596 DOI: 10.1177/17571774221094164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a major health problem in Thailand. Delay in getting treatment is an important factor which may worsen the disease and increase TB transmission. Objective This study aimed to investigate the duration and predictors of patient delay among PTB patients in Northeast Thailand. Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken using a structured questionnaire in nine districts in Nakhon Ratchasima Province from July to September 2018. The duration between the first symptom onset and the first visit to a health facility was determined, with a period of greater than 30 days defined as patient delay. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors of the delay. Results 300 PTB patients participated in the survey, with patient delay identified in 39% of respondents. The median duration of the delay was 35 days among participants overall. Through multivariate analysis, primary education, upper secondary education, previous TB knowledge, TB recognition, TB stigmatisation, weight loss, self-treatment, the number of visits with health providers and using a motorcycle to travel to the hospital were significant predictors of patient delay. Discussion Knowledge needs to be provided to people to increase their recognition and minimise stigmatisation of TB. Education about TB screening needs to be revised and delivered to health providers to increase and improve TB detection processes.
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Teo AKJ, Singh SR, Prem K, Hsu LY, Yi S. Duration and determinants of delayed tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment in high-burden countries: a mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis. Respir Res 2021; 22:251. [PMID: 34556113 PMCID: PMC8459488 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01841-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thirty countries with the highest tuberculosis (TB) burden bear 87% of the world's TB cases. Delayed diagnosis and treatment are detrimental to TB prognosis and sustain TB transmission in the community, making TB elimination a great challenge, especially in these countries. Our objective was to elucidate the duration and determinants of delayed diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary TB in high TB-burden countries. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative and qualitative studies by searching four databases for literature published between 2008 and 2018 following PRISMA guidelines. We performed a narrative synthesis of the covariates significantly associated with patient, health system, treatment, and total delays. The pooled median duration of delay and effect sizes of covariates were estimated using random-effects meta-analyses. We identified key qualitative themes using thematic analysis. RESULTS This review included 124 articles from 14 low- and lower-middle-income countries (LIC and LMIC) and five upper-middle-income countries (UMIC). The pooled median duration of delays (in days) were-patient delay (LIC/LMIC: 28 (95% CI 20-30); UMIC: 10 (95% CI 10-20), health system delay (LIC/LMIC: 14 (95% CI 2-28); UMIC: 4 (95% CI 2-4), and treatment delay (LIC/LMIC: 14 (95% CI 3-84); UMIC: 0 (95% CI 0-1). There was consistent evidence that being female and rural residence was associated with longer patient delay. Patient delay was also associated with other individual, interpersonal, and community risk factors such as poor TB knowledge, long chains of care-seeking through private/multiple providers, perceived stigma, financial insecurities, and poor access to healthcare. Organizational and policy factors mediated health system and treatment delays. These factors included the lack of resources and complex administrative procedures and systems at the health facilities. We identified data gaps in 11 high-burden countries. CONCLUSIONS This review presented the duration of delays and detailed the determinants of delayed TB diagnosis and treatment in high-burden countries. The gaps identified could be addressed through tailored approaches, education, and at a higher level, through health system strengthening and provision of universal health coverage to reduce delays and improve access to TB diagnosis and care. PROSPERO registration: CRD42018107237.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin Kuo Jing Teo
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, #10-01, 12 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117549, Singapore.
| | - Shweta R Singh
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kiesha Prem
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Li Yang Hsu
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siyan Yi
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- KHANA Center for Population Health Research, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Center for Global Health Research, Touro University California, Vallejo, USA
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Widayanti AW, Green JA, Heydon S, Norris P. Health-Seeking Behavior of People in Indonesia: A Narrative Review. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2021; 10:6-15. [PMID: 32175705 PMCID: PMC7310809 DOI: 10.2991/jegh.k.200102.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to locate existing studies on health-seeking behavior of people in Indonesia, identify gaps, and highlight important findings. Articles were retrieved from Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete (via Ebsco), and ProQuest with a number of key words and various combinations. Articles from Indonesian journals were also searched for with Google Scholar. A total of 56 articles from peer-reviewed journal databases and 19 articles from Indonesian journals were reviewed. Quantitative designs were applied more frequently than qualitative, and mixed methods designs were used in some studies. The majority gathered retrospective information about people's behaviors. Communicable diseases and maternity care were the most frequently studied conditions, in contrast to noncommunicable diseases. In terms of geographical distribution, most research was conducted on Java island, with very few in outside Java. Important findings are a model of Indonesian care-seeking pathways, an understanding of determinants of people's care choices, and the role of sociocultural beliefs. The findings from this narrative review provide insight to what and how Indonesians make decisions to manage their illness and why. This makes an important contribution to understanding the problem of underutilization of medical services despite the government's extensive efforts to improve accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wahyuni Widayanti
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - James A Green
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,School of Allied Health and Physical Activity for Health, Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Susan Heydon
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Pauline Norris
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Ggita JM, Katahoire A, Meyer AJ, Nansubuga E, Nalugwa T, Turimumahoro P, Ochom E, Ayakaka I, Haberer JE, Katamba A, Armstrong-Hough M, Davis JL. Experiences and intentions of Ugandan household tuberculosis contacts receiving test results via text message: an exploratory study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:310. [PMID: 32164612 PMCID: PMC7068887 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8427-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends household contact investigation for tuberculosis (TB) in high-burden countries. However, household contacts who complete evaluation for TB during contact investigation may have difficulty accessing their test results. Use of automated short-messaging services (SMS) to deliver test results could improve TB status awareness and linkage to care. We sought to explore how household contacts experience test results delivered via SMS, and how these experiences influence follow-up intentions. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with household contacts who participated in a randomized controlled trial evaluating home sputum collection and delivery of TB results via SMS (Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry #201509000877140). We asked about feelings, beliefs, decisions, and behaviors in response to the SMS results. We analyzed the content and emerging themes in relation to the Theory of Planned Behavior. RESULTS We interviewed and achieved thematic saturation with ten household contacts. Nine received TB-negative results and one a TB-positive result. Household contacts reported relief upon receiving SMS confirming their TB status, but also said they lacked confidence in the results delivered by SMS. Some worried that negative results were incorrect until they spoke to a lay health worker (LHW). Household contacts said their long-term intentions to request help or seek care were influenced by perceived consequences of not observing the LHW's instructions related to the SMS and follow-up procedures; beliefs about the curability of TB; anticipated support from LHWs; and perceived barriers to responding to an SMS request for further evaluation. CONCLUSION Household contacts experienced relief when they received results. However, they were less confident about results delivered via SMS than results delivered by LHWs. Delivery of results by SMS should complement continued interaction with LHWs, not replace them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Ggita
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anne Katahoire
- Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amanda J Meyer
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Talemwa Nalugwa
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patricia Turimumahoro
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Ochom
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Irene Ayakaka
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Global Health, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Achilles Katamba
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mari Armstrong-Hough
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
- Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences and Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - J Lucian Davis
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Section, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Health conditions, payments, proximity, and opportunity costs: Examining delays in seeking inpatient and outpatient care in the Philippines. Soc Sci Med 2019; 238:112479. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Lu H, Chen J, Wang W, Wu L, Shen X, Yuan Z, Yan F. Efforts to reduce the disparity between permanent residents and temporary migrants: Stop TB experiences in Shanghai, China. Trop Med Int Health 2015; 20:1033-40. [PMID: 25819348 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eight of 17 districts of Shanghai have offered transportation and living allowances subsidies to patients with tuberculosis (TB) among the migrant population. The study aimed to assess the impact of the subsidising initiative on the treatment success rate (TSR) and identify the social determinants of treatment outcomes. METHODS The participants included 7072 residents and 5703 migrants who were registered in the TB Information Management System with smear-positive pulmonary TB from January 2006 to December 2010. The Cochran-Armitage test was employed to test the trends of TSR and logistic regressions to identify the factors associated with treatment outcome. RESULTS Without subsidies, migrant TB cases had lower odds of successful treatment [OR = 0.20 (95% CI 0.18-0.23)] than resident cases. Subsidisation was associated with a 65% increased odds ratio of success [1.65 (1.40-1.95)] among migrant cases. The TSR has stabilised at 87% for both permanent residents and temporary migrants since 2009. Living in districts with a population density ≥20,000/km(2) was associated with a low odds ratio [0.42 (0.26-0.68)] among resident cases, whereas among migrant cases those living in districts out of central downtown had a higher odds ratio of treatment success [peripheral downtown: 1.73 (1.36-2.20), suburban: 1.69 (1.16-2.46)]. The TB cases in districts with 2.0-2.9 TB specialists/100 cases had a higher odds ratio [2.99 (1.91-4.69)] of successful treatment than cases from districts with fewer specialists. CONCLUSIONS Besides free medical services, transport and living allowance subsidies to migrant patients with TB improved the treatment outcome significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Lu
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment (Ministry of Health), Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Tuberculosis Control, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment (Ministry of Health), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Laiwa Wu
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment (Ministry of Health), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Shen
- Department of Tuberculosis Control, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengan Yuan
- Department of Tuberculosis Control, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Yan
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment (Ministry of Health), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Cai J, Wang X, Ma A, Wang Q, Han X, Li Y. Factors associated with patient and provider delays for tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment in Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120088. [PMID: 25807385 PMCID: PMC4373856 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Delays in tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and treatment is a major barrier to effective management of the disease. Determining the factors associated with patient and provider delay of TB diagnosis and treatment in Asia may contribute to TB prevention and control. Methods We searched the PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science for studies that assessed factors associated with delays in care-seeking, diagnosis, or at the beginning of treatment, which were published from January 1992 to September 2014. Two reviewers independently identified studies that were related to our meta-analysis and extracted data from each study. Independent variables were categorized in separate tables for patient and provider delays. Results Among 45 eligible studies, 40 studies assessed patient delay whereas 30 assessed provider delay. Cross-sectional surveys were used in all but two articles, which included 17 countries and regions. Socio-demographic characteristics, TB-related symptoms and medical examination, and conditions of seeking medical care in TB patients were frequently reported. Male patients and long travel time/distance to the first healthcare provider led to both shorter patient delays [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence intervals, CI) = 0.85 (0.78, 0.92); 1.39 (1.08, 1.78)] and shorter provider delays [OR (95%CI) = 0.96 (0.93, 1.00); 1.68 (1.12, 2.51)]. Unemployment, low income, hemoptysis, and positive sputum smears were consistently associated with patient delay [ORs (95%CI) = 1.18 (1.07, 1.30), 1.23 (1.02, 1.49), 0.64 (0.40, 1.00), 1.77 (1.07, 2.94), respectively]. Additionally, consultation at a public hospital was associated with provider delay [OR (95%CI) = 0.43 (0.20, 0.91)]. Conclusions We propose that the major opportunities to reduce delays involve enabling socio-demographic factors and medical conditions. Male, unemployed, rural residence, low income, hemoptysis, positive sputum smear, and long travel time/distance significantly correlated with patient delay. Male, long travel time/distance and consultation at a public hospital were related to provider delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cai
- The College of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Xianhua Wang
- The College of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Aiguo Ma
- The College of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, PR China
- * E-mail:
| | - Qiuzhen Wang
- The College of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Xiuxia Han
- The College of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Yong Li
- The College of Public Health, Beijing University, Beijing, PR China
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Leerlooijer JN, Ruiter RAC, Damayanti R, Rijsdijk LE, Eiling E, Bos AER, Kok G. Psychosocial correlates of the motivation to abstain from sexual intercourse among Indonesian adolescents. Trop Med Int Health 2013; 19:74-82. [PMID: 24188644 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adolescents in Indonesia have limited access to sexuality education, resulting in increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. This study aimed to understand psychosocial correlates of sexual abstinence intentions to inform future sexuality education. METHODS Data were collected in 79 secondary schools among 2315 students, aged 14-20 years, in Jambi, Lampung, Jakarta and Bali. A self-completed questionnaire measured attitudes, risk perception, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and intentions towards sexual abstinence. RESULTS Significant associations with intention to abstain from sexual intercourse were found for experience with sexual intercourse, perceived behavioural control, attitude and subjective norms of peers and parents, explaining 31% of the variance in abstinence intention. CONCLUSIONS To promote adolescents' informed sexual decision-making, sexuality education programmes in Indonesia may benefit from addressing past sexual behaviour and perceived behavioural control, subjective norms of peers and attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne N Leerlooijer
- Rutgers WPF, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Ahmad RA, Richardus JH, de Vlas SJ. Care-seeking behaviour among individuals with TB symptoms in Jogjakarta Province, Indonesia: a community-based study. Int Health 2012; 5:51-7. [PMID: 24029846 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihs002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Care-seeking behaviour of individuals with TB symptoms is a critical factor in early detection and treatment. Thorough understanding of determinants of the care-seeking process helps TB programme managers to improve TB case finding. The aim of this study was to assess determinants of care-seeking behaviour among patients with suspected TB at the population level. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults with cough for >2 weeks. Data on sociodemographics, onset of TB symptoms, TB knowledge, health facility visited and duration of each visit were collected. RESULTS Of the 746 respondents interviewed, approximately 10% had not yet sought care. Of those who sought care, less than one-half presented directly to medical healthcare providers. Being female and having multiple symptoms were associated with care-seeking action. The duration of patient delay (i.e. time between onset of symptoms and visiting a health provider) was relatively short, which may be due to the availability of an extended network of healthcare providers in Jogjakarta Province. Being male, a student or self-employed were associated with longer delay in presentation. CONCLUSIONS Patient delay was relatively short. Efforts need to be focused on encouraging individuals with suspected TB to seek appropriate services through health education and quality improvement of health providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riris A Ahmad
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Jogjakarta, Indonesia
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