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De Foo C, Wu S, Amin F, Rajaraman N, Cook AR, Legido-Quigley H. A qualitative exploration of factors that influence the uptake of tuberculosis services by low-skilled migrant workers in Singapore. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:943. [PMID: 37659999 PMCID: PMC10475191 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09938-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Singapore relies heavily on migrant workers to build its country and harbours a relatively large population of these workers. Importantly, tuberculosis (TB) remains a pernicious threat to the health of these workers and in line with the United Nations High-Level Meeting in 2023, this paper aims to uncover the qualitative discourse facing migrant workers' uptake of TB services and provide policy recommendations to enable more equitable access to TB services for this population. METHODS In-depth interviews were carried out with the migrant worker population recruited from a non-governmental organisation in Singapore that serves migrant workers through the provision of primary healthcare services, counselling, and social assistance. Interviews stopped once thematic saturation was achieved and no new themes and subthemes were found. RESULTS A total of 29 participants were interviewed, including 16 Bangladeshis and 13 Chinese, aged between 22 and 54 years old, all worked in the construction sector. Four key themes emerged. They are (1) General TB knowledge: Misconceptions are prevalent, where we found that participants were aware of the disease but did not possess a clear understanding of its pathophysiology and associated health effects, (2) Contextual knowledge and perception of associated policies related to TB in Singapore: low awareness among migrant workers as participants' accounts depicted a lack of information sources in Singapore especially on issues related to healthcare including TB, (3) Attitude to towards TB: Motivation to seek treatment is underpinned by ability to continue working and (4) Stigma: mixed perception of how society views TB patients. The gaps identified in migrant workers' TB knowledge, their attitude towards the disease and their perception of the availability of TB-related services is despite Singapore's efforts to curb community spread of TB and its proactive initiatives to reduce the prevalence. CONCLUSION Our study illuminates the various aspects that policymakers need to home in on to ensure this vulnerable group is sufficiently supported and equitably cared for if they develop active TB during their stay in Singapore as they contribute to the nation's economy. Leveraging the COVID-19 pandemic as a window of opportunity to improve overall healthcare access for vulnerable groups in Singapore can be a starting point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan De Foo
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Shishi Wu
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fariha Amin
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Natarajan Rajaraman
- HealthServe Community Clinic, Singapore, Singapore
- Maluk Timor, Dili, Timor Leste, Timor-Leste
| | - Alex R Cook
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Helena Legido-Quigley
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Imperial College and the George Institute for Global Health, London, UK
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Teo AKJ, Morishita F, Islam T, Viney K, Ong CW, Kato S, Kim H, Liu Y, Oh KH, Yoshiyama T, Ohkado A, Rahevar K, Kawatsu L, Yanagawa M, Prem K, Yi S, Tran HTG, Marais BJ. Tuberculosis in older adults: challenges and best practices in the Western Pacific Region. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 36:100770. [PMID: 37547037 PMCID: PMC10398605 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The Western Pacific has one of the fastest-growing older adult populations globally, and tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the foremost infectious causes of disease and death in the region. Older adults are at higher risk of TB due to immunosenescence, comorbidities, and increased institutionalisation. Atypical symptoms and reduced access to health services may delay care-seeking and TB diagnosis, while co-morbidity and increased risk of adverse drug reactions complicate TB treatment. Post-TB sequelae and socioeconomic challenges may decrease the quality of life after TB treatment completion. Despite their high disease burden and special challenges, there is a lack of regionally coordinated policies and guidelines to manage TB among older adults. Routine TB screening at aged-care facilities, age-friendly infrastructure and services, awareness of atypical TB features, integration of TB and non-communicable diseases services, and person-centred approaches to treatment support could improve TB management among older adults. Addressing these challenges and adopting the best practices identified should inform policy formulation and implementation. Funding This project was funded by 1) the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific, with financial contributions from the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Government of Japan through the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and 2) NUS Start-up Grant. The funders had no role in the paper design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data and in writing of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin Kuo Jing Teo
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases (Sydney ID) and the Centre of Research Excellence in Tuberculosis (TB-CRE), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fukushi Morishita
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Tauhid Islam
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kerri Viney
- World Health Organization, Global Tuberculosis Programme, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Catherine W.M. Ong
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seiya Kato
- Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Tokyo, Japan
| | - HeeJin Kim
- Korean National Tuberculosis Association, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuhong Liu
- Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kyung Hyun Oh
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Takashi Yoshiyama
- Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ohkado
- Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kalpeshsinh Rahevar
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Lisa Kawatsu
- Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Manami Yanagawa
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kiesha Prem
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Siyan Yi
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- KHANA Center for Population Health Research, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Center for Global Health Research, Public Health Program, Touro University California, Vallejo, CA, USA
| | - Huong Thi Giang Tran
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ben J. Marais
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases (Sydney ID) and the Centre of Research Excellence in Tuberculosis (TB-CRE), Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Teo AKJ, Rahevar K, Morishita F, Ang A, Yoshiyama T, Ohkado A, Kawatsu L, Yamada N, Uchimura K, Choi Y, Chen Z, Yi S, Yanagawa M, Oh KH, Viney K, Marais B, Kim H, Kato S, Liu Y, Ong CW, Islam T. Tuberculosis in older adults: case studies from four countries with rapidly ageing populations in the western pacific region. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:370. [PMID: 36810018 PMCID: PMC9942033 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15197-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Western Pacific Region has one of the fastest-growing populations of older adults (≥ 65 years) globally, among whom tuberculosis (TB) poses a particular concern. This study reports country case studies from China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore reflecting on their experiences in managing TB among older adults. FINDINGS Across all four countries, TB case notification and incidence rates were highest among older adults, but clinical and public health guidance focused on this population was limited. Individual country reports illustrated a range of practices and challenges. Passive case finding remains the norm, with limited active case finding (ACF) programs implemented in China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Different approaches have been trialled to assist older adults in securing an early diagnosis, as well as adhering to their TB treatment. All countries emphasised the need for person-centred approaches that include the creative application of new technology and tailored incentive programs, as well as reconceptualisation of how we provide treatment support. The use of traditional medicines was found to be culturally entrenched among older adults, with a need for careful consideration of their complementary use. TB infection testing and the provision of TB preventive treatment (TPT) were underutilised with highly variable practice. CONCLUSION Older adults require specific consideration in TB response policies, given the burgeoning aging population and their high TB risk. Policymakers, TB programs and funders must invest in and develop locally contextualised practice guidelines to inform evidence-based TB prevention and care practices for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin Kuo Jing Teo
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XFaculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases (Sydney ID) and the Centre of Research Excellence in Tuberculosis (TB-CRE), Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Kalpeshsinh Rahevar
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines.
| | - Fukushi Morishita
- grid.483407.c0000 0001 1088 4864World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Alicia Ang
- grid.508010.cDivision of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Woodlands Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Takashi Yoshiyama
- grid.419151.90000 0001 1545 6914Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ohkado
- grid.419151.90000 0001 1545 6914Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Lisa Kawatsu
- grid.419151.90000 0001 1545 6914Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Yamada
- grid.419151.90000 0001 1545 6914Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Uchimura
- grid.419151.90000 0001 1545 6914Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Youngeun Choi
- Korean National Tuberculosis Association, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Zi Chen
- Office of International Cooperation, Innovation Alliance on Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing, China
| | - Siyan Yi
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore ,grid.513124.00000 0005 0265 4996KHANA Center for Population Health Research, Phnom Penh, Cambodia ,grid.265117.60000 0004 0623 6962Center for Global Health Research, Public Health Program, Touro University California, Vallejo, CA USA
| | - Manami Yanagawa
- grid.483407.c0000 0001 1088 4864World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kyung Hyun Oh
- grid.483407.c0000 0001 1088 4864World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kerri Viney
- grid.3575.40000000121633745Global Tuberculosis Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ben Marais
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XFaculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases (Sydney ID) and the Centre of Research Excellence in Tuberculosis (TB-CRE), Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Heejin Kim
- Korean National Tuberculosis Association, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seiya Kato
- grid.419151.90000 0001 1545 6914Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuhong Liu
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XBeijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Catherine W.M. Ong
- grid.412106.00000 0004 0621 9599Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore ,grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore ,grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Institute of Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tauhid Islam
- grid.483407.c0000 0001 1088 4864World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
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Teng VYM, Chua YT, Lai EEN, Mukherjee S, Michaels J, Wong CS, Shen L, Leo YS, Young B, Archuleta S, Ong CWM. Lack of latent tuberculosis (TB) screening and delay in anti-retroviral therapy initiation in HIV-TB co-infection: an 11-year study in an intermediate TB-burden country. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 113:178-183. [PMID: 34563709 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the prevalence and characteristics of HIV-tuberculosis (TB) co-infected patients in Singapore, an intermediate TB-burden country. METHODS Retrospective data across 11 years was obtained from the National University Hospital (NUH), a quaternary hospital and the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), the national HIV center. RESULTS From December 2005 to December 2016, 4015 HIV-infected patients were managed at NUH and NCID, of whom, respectively, 48 and 272 were diagnosed with active TB disease. Only 2 patients (0.6%) were screened for latent TB infection on HIV diagnosis. Mean CD4 count at TB diagnosis was 125.0 ± 153.9 cells/mm3. More patients with HIV diagnosed ≥6 weeks before TB (41%) were associated with CD4 counts >200 cells/mm3 than patients with TB diagnosed ≥6 weeks before HIV (2%). Of 124 (38.6%) HIV-TB patients with CD4 count ≤50 cells/mm3, only 18 (14.2%) started anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in <2 weeks. Of patients with pulmonary TB, 33.5% had normal chest x-ray. CONCLUSIONS Latent TB infection screening in HIV-infected patients is low, and ART initiation is delayed in HIV-TB patients with CD4 ≤50 cells/mm3. Pulmonary TB patients with HIV can be infectious despite normal chest x-ray. Clinical practices can be further improved to benefit HIV-TB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vannesa Yue May Teng
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, National University Health System Singapore.
| | - Yan Ting Chua
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, National University Health System Singapore
| | - Eunice En Ni Lai
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, National University Health System Singapore
| | - Shilpa Mukherjee
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, National University Health System Singapore
| | - Jessica Michaels
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, National University Health System Singapore
| | - Chen Seong Wong
- National Centre for Infectious Disease, Singapore; Department of Infectious Disease, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Liang Shen
- Biostatistics Unit, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
| | - Yee Sin Leo
- National Centre for Infectious Disease, Singapore; Department of Infectious Disease, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Barnaby Young
- National Centre for Infectious Disease, Singapore; Department of Infectious Disease, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sophia Archuleta
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, National University Health System Singapore; Infectious Disease Translational Research Programme, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
| | - Catherine W M Ong
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, National University Health System Singapore; Infectious Disease Translational Research Programme, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore; Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore.
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