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Supehia S, Singh M, Bahurupi Y, Aggarwal P, Chandra R, Sharma N. The Extent of Delay in Diagnosis, Treatment and their Associated Factors among Tuberculosis Patients Attending Government Hospitals of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: A Cross-Sectional Study. RECENT ADVANCES IN ANTI-INFECTIVE DRUG DISCOVERY 2024; 19:137-147. [PMID: 37198982 DOI: 10.2174/2772434418666230517151828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND "Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem" worldwide, affecting almost all age groups. "Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to significantly reducing the TB burden." However, a significant proportion of cases remain undiagnosed and untreated, which plays a vital role in the transmission of the disease and severity of the illness in the community in most developing countries. AIMS & OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess "the extent of delay in diagnosis and treatment of TB patients" and to identify the major factors associated with such delays (whether patient or health system-related) among TB patients in Rishikesh. METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Rishikesh Town, Dehradun District, Uttara khand, India. Total of 130 newly diagnosed TB patients were recruited as study participants who attended the government hospitals of Rishikesh, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh and S P S Government Hospital, Rishikesh. A universal sampling technique was used in this study. RESULTS The mean age of the study participant was 36.75 (Standard Deviation (SD), 17.6), and the median age was 34 years. Of the patients, 64.6% were men, and 35.4% were women. The extent of various delays, such as patient delay (median 16 days), diagnostic delay (median 78.5 days), treatment delay (median 4 days), health system delay (43 days), and total delay (median 81 days). CONCLUSION The misconception of any chronic disease may lead to a false diagnosis or long treatment for symptomatic relief; the absence of proper diagnostic tests and doctor shopping could be the reasons for the prolonged diagnostic delay. Therefore, by strengthening the collaboration between private and public practitioners in order to meet the expectations of the Government of India to achieve the goals of the "National Strategic Plan for ending TB" in India by providing good quality care for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Supehia
- Department of Community Medicine, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Mahendra Singh
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India
| | - Yogesh Bahurupi
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India
| | - Pradeep Aggarwal
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India
| | - Rishita Chandra
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Nandita Sharma
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India
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Vijayan S, Jondhale V, Pande T, Khan A, Brouwer M, Hegde A, Gandhi R, Roddawar V, Jichkar S, Kadu A, Bharaswadkar S, Sharma M, Vasquez NA, Richardson L, Robert D, Pawar S. Implementing a chest X-ray artificial intelligence tool to enhance tuberculosis screening in India: Lessons learned. PLOS DIGITAL HEALTH 2023; 2:e0000404. [PMID: 38060461 PMCID: PMC10703224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) based chest X-ray (CXR) screening for tuberculosis (TB) is becoming increasingly popular. Still, deploying such AI tools can be challenging due to multiple real-life barriers like software installation, workflow integration, network connectivity constraints, limited human resources available to interpret findings, etc. To understand these challenges, PATH implemented a TB REACH active case-finding program in a resource-limited setting of Nagpur in India, where an AI software device (qXR) intended for TB screening using CXR images was used. Eight private CXR laboratories that fulfilled prerequisites for AI software installation were engaged for this program. Key lessons about operational feasibility and accessibility, along with the strategies adopted to overcome these challenges, were learned during this program. This program also helped to screen 10,481 presumptive TB individuals using informal providers based on clinical history. Among them, 2,303 individuals were flagged as presumptive for TB by a radiologist or by AI based on their CXR interpretation. Approximately 15.8% increase in overall TB yield could be attributed to the presence of AI alone because these additional cases were not deemed presumptive for TB by radiologists, but AI was able to identify them. Successful implementation of AI tools like qXR in resource-limited settings in India will require solving real-life implementation challenges for seamless deployment and workflow integration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tripti Pande
- External consultant, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Amera Khan
- STOP TB Partnership, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Shilpa Jichkar
- Department of Health Services, Nagpur Municipal Corporation, Nagpur, India
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Majra JP, Silan VK, Kamboj G. Knowledge of Private Practitioners Regarding Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program- A Cross-Sectional Study from the Haryana state of India. Niger Med J 2023; 64:524-531. [PMID: 38952888 PMCID: PMC11214707 DOI: 10.60787/nmj-64-4-356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background India's aim to achieve tuberculosis (TB) eradication by 2025 necessitates the engagement of all stakeholders, encompassing both private and public sectors, across all phases of the TB program - spanning from diagnosis to the curative outcome. However, certain private practitioners pursue an individualized approach instead of adopting a collective strategy, thereby contributing to the emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Consequently, in order to formulate an enhanced strategy that fosters improved collaboration and professional behavioral change among all partners, it is imperative to comprehensively assess their level of knowledge. This study aims to assess the knowledge level of private practitioners with regard to the diagnosis and management of pulmonary tuberculosis cases within the framework of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP). Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 78 selected private practitioners located in seven towns within the Sonepat district of Haryana State, India. The study was approved by the ethics committee of Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women, Sonepat, Haryana. Data collection involved the utilization of a self-administered, pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was applied, utilizing proportions and percentages. Results The collective understanding of private practitioners concerning Tuberculosis and RNTCP was found to be deficient. Around one-third of the practitioners reported that they had not received any visits from health workers in relation to RNTCP. A mere 33% of the practitioners had attended any Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions, and only a quarter of the participants expressed an intention to collaborate with the RNTCP program. Conclusions In conclusion, this study underscores the necessity for RNTCP to focus on fostering the willingness of private practitioners to engage with the program, while simultaneously enhancing their knowledge about Tuberculosis and RNTCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai Pal Majra
- Department of Community Medicine, BPS Govt. Medical College for Women, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Silan
- Department of Community Medicine, BPS Govt. Medical College for Women, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, India
| | - Gaurav Kamboj
- Department of Community Medicine, Kalpana Chawla Govt. Medical College, Karnal, Haryana, India
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Dey A, Roy I, Chakrabartty AK, Choudhury A, Lahiri A. Changing patterns of household transmission of tuberculosis in an eastern state of India: The impact of COVID19 pandemic. Indian J Tuberc 2022; 69:682-689. [PMID: 36460408 PMCID: PMC8913430 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijtb.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 Pandemic has affected many components of the Tuberculosis (TB) control program. Due to lockdown and restrictions, people, including TB patients, might have spent more time in the household. There might be an increased TB transmission among the household contacts (HHC). The current study was conducted to measure the household transmission of TB and also find out the relationship with several clinico-social factors. METHODS Contact tracing data of West Bengal, India, was extracted from Nikshay portal of Central TB Division, Government of India. The anonymized data was divided into two parts, firstly before the lockdown initiation in India and secondly during the lockdown. A modified Poisson regression model was developed to determine the statistical association between clinico-social variables and the pandemic with household-level secondary TB cases. RESULTS There was a 30% reduction in daily TB case notification, but the proportion of HHC screened was 4% higher during the pandemic than the pre-pandemic period. The secondary attack rate of household TB disease transmission was 34% lower during the pandemic period. Index TB patients aged under ten years, microbiologically positive, Drug-Resistant TB, having three or more HHCs, treatment delay more than seven days, notified from the private sector, and diagnosis during the pre-pandemic period was found to be independently associated with a higher risk of having a secondary TB case at household. CONCLUSION The risk of household TB transmission was significantly lower during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period, which may be due to better infection prevention and control practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Dey
- World Health Organization, Technical Support Network for National Tuberculosis Elimination Program in India, West Bengal, India
| | - Isita Roy
- Joint Effort for Elimination of TB, Madurdaha, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Anuradha Choudhury
- Joint Effort for Elimination of TB, Madurdaha, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Arista Lahiri
- Dr. B. C. Roy Multi-Speciality Medical Research Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal, India.
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Thapa P, Hall JJ, Jayasuriya R, Mukherjee PS, Beek K, Das DK, Mandal T, Narasimhan P. What are the Tuberculosis Care Practices of Informal Healthcare Providers? A Cross-Sectional Study from Eastern India. Health Policy Plan 2022; 37:1158-1166. [PMID: 35920775 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czac062] [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: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
India is the highest Tuberculosis (TB) burden country, accounting for an estimated 26 % of the global burden of disease. Systematic engagement of the private sector is a cornerstone of India's National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB elimination (2017-2025). However, Informal Healthcare Providers (IPs), who are the first point of contact for a large number of TB patients, remain significantly underutilised in the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) of India. Non-prioritisation of IPs has also resulted in a limited understanding of their TB care practices in the community. We, therefore, undertook a descriptive study to document IPs' TB care practices, primarily focusing on their approach to screening, diagnosis, treatment, and referral. This cross-sectional study was carried out from February to March 2020 in the Birbhum District of West Bengal, India. Interviews were conducted utilising the retrospective case study method. A total 203 IPs participated who reported seeing at least one confirmed TB patient in six months prior to the study. In that duration, IPs reported interacting with an average of five suspected TB cases, two of which were later confirmed as having TB. Antibiotic use was found to be common among IPs (highest 69% during the first visit); however, they were prescribed before the patient was suspected or confirmed as having TB. We noted the practice of prolonged treatment among IPs as patients were prescribed medicines until the second follow-up visit. Referral was the preferred TB case management approach among IPs, but delayed referral was observed, with only one-third (34%) of patients being referred to higher health facilities during their first visit. This study presents important findings on IPs' TB care practices which have consequences for achieving India's National Goal of TB elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poshan Thapa
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Public Health and Community Programs - Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - John J Hall
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rohan Jayasuriya
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Kristen Beek
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Shah HD, Nazli Khatib M, Syed ZQ, Gaidhane AM, Yasobant S, Narkhede K, Bhavsar P, Patel J, Sinha A, Puwar T, Saha S, Saxena D. Gaps and Interventions across the Diagnostic Care Cascade of TB Patients at the Level of Patient, Community and Health System: A Qualitative Review of the Literature. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7070136. [PMID: 35878147 PMCID: PMC9315562 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7070136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be one of the important public health concerns globally, and India is among the seven countries with the largest burden of TB. There has been a consistent increase in the notifications of TB cases across the globe. However, the 2018 estimates envisage a gap of about 30% between the incident and notified cases of TB, indicating a significant number of patients who remain undiagnosed or ‘missed’. It is important to understand who is ‘missed’, find this population, and provide quality care. Given these complexities, we reviewed the diagnostic gaps in the care cascade for TB. We searched Medline via PubMed and CENTRAL databases via the Cochrane Library. The search strategy for PubMed was tailored to individual databases and was as: ((((((tuberculosis[Title/Abstract]) OR (TB[Title/Abstract])) OR (koch *[Title/Abstract])) OR (“tuberculosis”[MeSH Terms]))) AND (((diagnos *) AND (“diagnosis”[MeSH Terms])))). Furthermore, we screened the references list of the potentially relevant studies to seek additional studies. Studies retrieved from these electronic searches and relevant references included in the bibliography of those studies were reviewed. Original studies in English that assessed the causes of diagnostic gaps and interventions used to address them were included. Delays in diagnosis were found to be attributable to both the individuals’ and the health system’s capacity to diagnose and promptly commence treatment. This review provides insights into the diagnostic gaps in a cascade of care for TB and different interventions adopted in studies to close this gap. The major diagnostic gaps identified in this review are as follows: people may not have access to TB diagnostic tests, individuals are at a higher risk of missed diagnosis, services are available but people may not seek care with a diagnostic facility, and patients are not diagnosed despite reaching health facilities. Therefore, reaching the goal to End TB requires putting in place models and methods to provide prompt and quality assured diagnosis to populations at par.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh D Shah
- Department of Public Health Science, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar 382042, India; (S.Y.); (K.N.); (P.B.); (J.P.); (A.S.); (T.P.); (S.S.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mahalaqua Nazli Khatib
- Global Evidence Synthesis Initiative, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha 442004, India; (M.N.K.); (Z.Q.S.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Zahiruddin Quazi Syed
- Global Evidence Synthesis Initiative, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha 442004, India; (M.N.K.); (Z.Q.S.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Abhay M. Gaidhane
- Global Evidence Synthesis Initiative, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha 442004, India; (M.N.K.); (Z.Q.S.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Sandul Yasobant
- Department of Public Health Science, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar 382042, India; (S.Y.); (K.N.); (P.B.); (J.P.); (A.S.); (T.P.); (S.S.); (D.S.)
- Global Evidence Synthesis Initiative, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha 442004, India; (M.N.K.); (Z.Q.S.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Kiran Narkhede
- Department of Public Health Science, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar 382042, India; (S.Y.); (K.N.); (P.B.); (J.P.); (A.S.); (T.P.); (S.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Priya Bhavsar
- Department of Public Health Science, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar 382042, India; (S.Y.); (K.N.); (P.B.); (J.P.); (A.S.); (T.P.); (S.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Jay Patel
- Department of Public Health Science, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar 382042, India; (S.Y.); (K.N.); (P.B.); (J.P.); (A.S.); (T.P.); (S.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Anish Sinha
- Department of Public Health Science, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar 382042, India; (S.Y.); (K.N.); (P.B.); (J.P.); (A.S.); (T.P.); (S.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Tapasvi Puwar
- Department of Public Health Science, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar 382042, India; (S.Y.); (K.N.); (P.B.); (J.P.); (A.S.); (T.P.); (S.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Somen Saha
- Department of Public Health Science, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar 382042, India; (S.Y.); (K.N.); (P.B.); (J.P.); (A.S.); (T.P.); (S.S.); (D.S.)
- Global Evidence Synthesis Initiative, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha 442004, India; (M.N.K.); (Z.Q.S.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Deepak Saxena
- Department of Public Health Science, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar 382042, India; (S.Y.); (K.N.); (P.B.); (J.P.); (A.S.); (T.P.); (S.S.); (D.S.)
- Global Evidence Synthesis Initiative, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha 442004, India; (M.N.K.); (Z.Q.S.); (A.M.G.)
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Sahu S, Duggal K, Elsy M, Majella M, Akkilagunta S. Assessing the status of mandatory tuberculosis case notification among private practitioners in Urban Puducherry. Indian J Community Med 2021; 46:701-705. [PMID: 35068738 PMCID: PMC8729296 DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_503_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In India, tuberculosis (TB) was made a notifiable disease in 2012 and nonnotification was made a punishable offense in March 2018. In 2018, 25% of TB cases notified were from private sector. Objectives: The objective of the study is to assess the proportion of private practitioners (PPs) who notified TB cases to the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) and to identify the facilitating factors and barriers to TB case notification, including channels most preferred for notification. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among PPs in urban Puducherry. PPs were included consecutively, and data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Results: Almost 60% (75 of 125) of PPs had dealt with presumptive TB cases in the last 1 year. Only one of 16 PPs who diagnosed and two of four PPs who treated had notified. PPs preferred electronic modes of notification such as e-mail and short messaging service (SMS). Concerns regarding patient confidentiality and delay in collection of notification forms from PPs by RNTCP were the barriers to notification. Conclusions: Notification for TB diagnosis was poor as PPs preferred to refer cases to RNTCP rather than notifying. Only four PPs had initiated TB treatment, of whom two PPs (50%) had notified.
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Sinha P, Carwile M, Bhargava A, Cintron C, Acuna-Villaorduna C, Lakshminarayan S, Liu AF, Kulatilaka N, Locks L, Hochberg NS. How much do Indians pay for tuberculosis treatment? A cost analysis. Public Health Action 2020; 10:110-117. [PMID: 33134125 DOI: 10.5588/pha.20.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Setting India's National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) covers diagnostic and therapeutic costs of TB treatment. However, persons living with TB (PLWTB) continue to experience financial distress due to direct costs (payment for testing, treatment, travel, hospitalization, and nutritional supplements) and indirect costs (lost wages, loan interest, and cost of domestic helpers). Objective To analyze the magnitude and pattern of TB-related costs from the perspective of Indian PLWTB. Design We identified relevant articles using key search terms ('tuberculosis,' 'India,' 'cost,' 'expenditures,' 'financing,' 'catastrophic' and 'out of pocket') and calculated variance-weighted mean costs. Results Indian patients incur substantial direct costs (mean: US$46.8). Mean indirect costs (US$666.6) constitute 93.4% of the net costs. Mean direct costs before diagnosis can be up to four-fold that of costs during treatment. Treatment in the private sector can result in costs up to six-fold higher than in government facilities. As many as one in three PLWTB in India experience catastrophic costs. Conclusion PLWTB in India face high direct and indirect costs. Priority interventions to realize India's goal of eliminating catastrophic costs from TB include decreasing diagnostic delays through active case finding, reducing the need for travel, improving awareness and perception of NTEP services, and ensuring sufficient reimbursement for inpatient TB care.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sinha
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, MA, USA
| | - M Carwile
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, MA, USA
| | - A Bhargava
- Department of Medicine, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore, India.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Center for Nutrition Studies, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - C Cintron
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, MA, USA
| | - C Acuna-Villaorduna
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, MA, USA
| | - S Lakshminarayan
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry, India
| | - A F Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - N Kulatilaka
- Susilo Institute for Ethics in a Global Economy, Boston University Questrom School of Business, Boston, MA, USA
| | - L Locks
- Department of Health Sciences, Sargent College, Boston University College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - N S Hochberg
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, MA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, MA, USA
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Pati MK, Swaroop N, Kar A, Aggarwal P, Jayanna K, Van Damme W. A narrative review of gaps in the provision of integrated care for noncommunicable diseases in India. Public Health Rev 2020; 41:8. [PMID: 32435518 PMCID: PMC7222468 DOI: 10.1186/s40985-020-00128-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) account for a higher burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) and home to a higher number of premature deaths (before age 70) from NCDs. NCDs have become an integral part of the global development agenda; hence, the scope of action on NCDs extends beyond just the health-related sustainable development goal (SDG 3). However, the organization and integration of NCD-related health services have faced several gaps in the LMIC regions such as India. Although the national NCD programme of India has been in operation for a decade, challenges remain in the integration of NCD services at primary care. In this paper, we have analysed existing gaps in the organization and integration of NCD services at primary care and suggested plausible solutions that exist. METHOD The identification of gaps is based out of a review of peer-reviewed articles, reports on national and global guidelines/protocols. The gaps are organized and narrated at four levels such as community, facility, health system, health policy and research, as per the WHO Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions framework (WHO ICCC). RESULT The review found that challenges in the identification of eligible beneficiaries, shortage and poor capacity of frontline health workers, poor functioning of community groups and poor community knowledge on NCD risk factors were key gaps at the community level. Challenges at facility level such as poor facility infrastructure, lack of provider knowledge on standards of NCD care and below par quality of care led to poor management of NCDs. At the health system level, we found, organization of care, programme management and monitoring systems were not geared up to address NCDs. Multi-sectoral collaboration and coordination were proposed at the policy level to tackle NCDs; however, gaps remained in implementation of such policies. Limited research on the effect of health promotion, prevention and, in particular, non-medical interventions on NCDs was found as a key gap at the research level. CONCLUSION This paper reinforces the need for an integrated comprehensive model of NCD care especially at primary health care level to address the growing burden of these diseases. This overarching review is quite relevant and useful in organizing NCD care in Indian and similar LMIC settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar Pati
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, IT Park, 5th floor, 1-4, Rajajinagar Industrial Area behind KSSIDC Admin Office, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, Karnataka 560044 India
| | - N. Swaroop
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, IT Park, 5th floor, 1-4, Rajajinagar Industrial Area behind KSSIDC Admin Office, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, Karnataka 560044 India
| | - Arin Kar
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, IT Park, 5th floor, 1-4, Rajajinagar Industrial Area behind KSSIDC Admin Office, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, Karnataka 560044 India
| | | | - Krishnamurthy Jayanna
- Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, IT Park, 5th floor, 1-4, Rajajinagar Industrial Area behind KSSIDC Admin Office, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, Karnataka 560044 India
- Centre for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Wim Van Damme
- Health Policy Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Awareness & utilization of NIKSHAY and perceived barriers for tuberculosis case notification among the private practitioners in Udupi district, Karnataka. Indian J Tuberc 2020; 67:15-19. [PMID: 32192611 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijtb.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND NIKSHAY is a web-based TB case notification & management portal. The study aimed to assess the awareness and utilization of NIKSHAY among the private practitioners in Udupi district and identify the operational barriers to TB notification. METHODS The study was conducted between January to May 2019. Allopathic doctors were included in the study. Interviewer-administered structured validated questionnaire was used. The doctors were interviewed at their clinics/hospital. RESULT Out of 206 doctors, 138 were included in the study. Most of the participants were males (88.4%).Whereas, majority of the doctors were specialists (73.2%). 99% of the doctors knew that TB notification is mandatory. The awareness of NIKSHAY was low (21.7%) among them. Of those aware, 51.9% of the doctors were registered on NIKSHAY. 92.7% of the doctors who were registered had notified at least one case in last 6 months. Training programs were effective in increasing awareness of NIKSHAY but not utilization. Factors like out-patient load, number of presumptive and diagnosed TB cases seen were associated with the awareness and utilization of NIKSHAY. The major perceived barriers for notification were difficult to treat TB, ignorance of TB burden, complicated notification system, patient stigma and loss to follow up, lack of acknowledgement from the government. CONCLUSION The awareness and utilization of NIKSHAY was low. Patient load was positively associated with the utilization of NIKSHAY. Private practitioners face various barriers which needs to be addressed to increase the notification rates.
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Ananthakrishnan R, Richardson MD, van den Hof S, Rangaswamy R, Thiagesan R, Auguesteen S, Kamp N. Successfully Engaging Private Providers to Improve Diagnosis, Notification, and Treatment of TB and Drug-Resistant TB: The EQUIP Public-Private Model in Chennai, India. GLOBAL HEALTH: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2019; 7:41-53. [PMID: 30926737 PMCID: PMC6538134 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-18-00318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Based on a participatory program design that addressed the self-described needs of private providers, a local NGO offered the providers access to rapid diagnostics and support for notification and patient treatment including free anti-TB drugs. The model resulted in high provider participation, contributing more than 10% of the overall TB case notifications, and an 89% treatment success rate for drug-sensitive TB. Background: Private physicians in India see and treat more than half of all people with tuberculosis (TB) each year and thus have potential to make significant contributions to TB control. The EQUIP project was designed as a prospective cohort study to assess the potential of private providers to diagnose and appropriately treat drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) in the Central and South districts of Chennai, India. Methods: The private-sector engagement model consisted of free access to rapid diagnostics; choice of free daily or thrice-weekly treatment regimens; support for notification of patients; and patient support including directly observed therapy through EQUIP centers staffed by a community-based interface agency. Data were collected on provider participation; referral results; treatment regimens prescribed; and treatment outcomes. Results: From October 2015 through June 2017, 227 of the 466 (48.7%) private providers approached referred at least 1 patient to an EQUIP center for evaluation. A total of 2,621 patients received testing and 1,232 (47.0%) were diagnosed with TB. Of those, 727 (59.0%) were bacteriologically confirmed, including 694 (56.3%) using GeneXpert and 33 (2.7%) using smear microscopy. A total of 26 (3.7% of GeneXpert diagnosed) patients were confirmed as rifampicin-resistant cases. EQUIP-related notifications comprised approximately 10% of TB and DR-TB notifications in Chennai during the project period. The project initiated 1,167 (96.8%) drug-sensitive TB patients on treatment. Of those, 691 (59.2%) received standard daily regimens with EQUIP support and 288 (24.7%) received standard intermittent regimens. At the time of writing, 89.4% of 868 drug-susceptible TB patients receiving EQUIP support had treatment success. Of the 26 rifampicin-resistant TB cases notified, 20 (77%) started and continued on second-line treatment; 2 died and 4 were lost to follow-up prior to treatment initiation. Conclusion: Private providers can make a substantial contribution to detection and appropriate treatment of patients with TB and DR-TB in India when provided with access to rapid diagnostics, support for notification and patient treatment through interface agencies, and free, quality anti-TB drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Ananthakrishnan
- REACH (Resource Group for Education and Advocacy for Community Health), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M D'Arcy Richardson
- KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, Netherlands. Now an independent consultant, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Susan van den Hof
- KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, Netherlands. Now with the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Radha Rangaswamy
- REACH (Resource Group for Education and Advocacy for Community Health), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rajeswaran Thiagesan
- REACH (Resource Group for Education and Advocacy for Community Health), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sheela Auguesteen
- REACH (Resource Group for Education and Advocacy for Community Health), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Netty Kamp
- KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, Netherlands.
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Tuberculosis diagnostic and treatment practices in private sector: Implementation study in an Indian city. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 65:315-321. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijtb.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Pardeshi G, Deluca A, Agarwal S, Kishore J. Tuberculosis patients not covered by treatment in public health services: findings from India's National Family Health Survey 2015-16. Trop Med Int Health 2018; 23:886-895. [PMID: 29851437 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Half of the TB patients in India seek care from private providers resulting in incomplete notification, varied quality of care and out-of-pocket expenditure. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of TB patients who remain outside the coverage of treatment in public health services. METHODS Cross-sectional data from National Family Health Survey-4 (2015-16) were analysed using logistic regression analysis. TB treatment was the dependent variable. Sociodemographic factors and place where households generally seek treatment were independent variables. RESULTS Prevalence of self-reported TB was 308.17/100 000 population (95% CI: 309.44-310.55/100 000 population) and 38.8% (95% CI: 36.5-41.1%) of TB patients were outside care of public health services - 3.3% did not seek treatment and 35.3% accessed treatment from private sector. Factors associated with not seeking treatment were age <10 years [OR = 3.43; 95% CI (1.52-7.77); P = 0.00]; no/preschool education [OR = 1.82; 95% CI (1.10-3.34); P = 0.02]; poorest wealth index [OR = 1.86; 95% CI (1.01-3.34); P = 0.04] and household's general rejection of the public sector when seeking health care [OR = 1.69; 95% CI (1.69-2.26); P = 0.00]. Factors associated with seeking treatment from private providers were female sex [OR = 1.29; 95% CI (1.11-1.50); P = 0.001], younger age of the patient [OR = 2.39; 95% CI (1.62-3.53); P = 0.00], higher education [OR = 1.82; 95% CI (1.11-2.98); P = 0.02] and household's general rejection of the public sector when seeking health care [OR = 4.56; 95% CI (3.95-5.27); P = 0.00]. Patients from households reporting 'poor quality of care' as the reason for not generally preferring public health services were more likely (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.19-1.65; P = 00) to access private treatment. CONCLUSION The study provides insights for efforts to involve the private health sector for accurate surveillance and patient groups requiring targeted interventions for linking them to the national programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geeta Pardeshi
- Department of Community Medicine, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Andrea Deluca
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sutapa Agarwal
- Centre for Chronic Conditions and Injuries, Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Jugal Kishore
- Department of Community Medicine, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Bhalla BB, Chadha V, Gupta J, Nagendra N, Praseeja P, Anjinappa S, Ahmed J, Srivastava R, Kumar P. Knowledge of private practitioners of Bangalore city in diagnosis, treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and compliance with case notification. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 65:124-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijtb.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Dale KD, Tay EL, Trauer JM, Trevan PG, Denholm JT. Comparing tuberculosis management under public and private healthcare providers: Victoria, Australia, 2002-2015. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:324. [PMID: 28468641 PMCID: PMC5415803 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2421-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Private healthcare providers are important to tuberculosis (TB) management globally, although internationally there are reports of suboptimal management and disparities in treatment commencement in the private sector. We compared the management of TB patients receiving private versus public healthcare in Victoria, an industrialised setting with low tuberculosis (TB) incidence. METHODS Retrospective cohort study: 2002-2015. Private healthcare provision was included as an independent variable in several multivariate logistic and Cox proportional hazard regression models that assessed a range of outcome variables, encompassing treatment commencement delays, management and treatment outcomes. RESULTS Of 5106 patients, 275 (5.4%) exclusively saw private providers, and 4714 (92.32%) public. Private care was associated with a shorter delay to presentation (HR 1.36, p = 0.065, 95% CI 1.02-2.00). Private patients were less likely to have genotypic testing (OR 0.66, p = 0.009, 95% CI 0.48-0.90), those with pulmonary involvement were less likely to have a sputum smear (OR 0.52, p = 0.011, 95% CI 0.31-0.86) and provided samples were less likely to be positive (OR 0.54, p = 0.070, 95% CI 0.27-1.05). Private patients with extrapulmonary TB were less likely to have a smear sample (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.48-0.90, p = 0.009) and radiological abnormalities (OR 0.71, p = 0.070, 95% CI 0.27-1.05). Treatment commencement delays from presentation were comparable for cases with pulmonary involvement and extrapulmonary TB, although public extrapulmonary TB patients received radiological examinations slightly earlier than private patients (HR 0.79, p = 0.043, 95% CI 0.63-0.99) and public patients with pulmonary involvement from high burden settings commenced treatment following an abnormal CXR more promptly than their private counterparts (HR 0.41, p = 0.011, 95% CI 0.21-0.81). Private patients were more likely to receive <4 first-line medications (OR 2.17, p = 0.001, 95% CI 1.36-3.46), but treatment outcomes were comparable between sectors. CONCLUSIONS The differences we identified are likely to reflect differing case-mix as well as clinician practice. Sputum smear status was an important covariable in our analysis; with its addition we found no significant disparity in the health-system delay to treatment commencement between sectors. Our study highlights the importance of TB programs engaging with private providers, enabling comprehensive data collection that is necessary for thorough and true comparison of TB management and optimisation of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie D Dale
- Victorian Tuberculosis Program, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Ee Laine Tay
- Department of Health and Human Services, Victoria, Australia
| | - James M Trauer
- Victorian Tuberculosis Program, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter G Trevan
- Victorian Tuberculosis Program, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia
| | - Justin T Denholm
- Victorian Tuberculosis Program, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Anand T, Babu R, Jacob AG, Sagili K, Chadha SS. Enhancing the role of private practitioners in tuberculosis prevention and care activities in India. Lung India 2017; 34:538-544. [PMID: 29099000 PMCID: PMC5684812 DOI: 10.4103/0970-2113.217577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
India accounts for the highest number of incident tuberculosis (TB) cases globally. Hence, to impact the TB incidence world over, there is an urgent need to address and accelerate TB control activities in the country. Nearly, half of the TB patients first seek TB care in private sector. However, the participation of private practitioners (PPs) has been patchy in TB prevention and care and distrust exists between public and private sector. PPs usually have varied diagnostic and treatment practices that are inadequate and amplify the risk of drug resistance. Hence, their regulation and involvement as key stakeholders are important in TB prevention and care in India if we are to achieve TB control at global level. However, there remain certain barriers and gaps, which are preventing their upscaling. The current paper aims to discuss the status of private sector involvement in TB prevention and care in India. The paper also discusses the strategies and initiatives taken by the government in this regard as evidence shows that the involvement of private sector in co-opting directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) helps to enhance case finding and treatment outcomes; it improves the accessibility of quality TB care with greater geographic coverage. Besides public-private mix, DOTS has been found more cost-effective and reduces financial burden of patients. The paper also offers to present some more solutions both at policy and program level for upscaling the engagement of PPs in the national TB control program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanu Anand
- North Delhi Municipal Corporation Medical College, Hindu Rao Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ranjith Babu
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), New Delhi, India
| | - Anil G Jacob
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), New Delhi, India
| | - Karuna Sagili
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), New Delhi, India
| | - Sarabjit S Chadha
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), New Delhi, India
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Bronner Murrison L, Ananthakrishnan R, Sukumar S, Augustine S, Krishnan N, Pai M, Dowdy DW. Use of Rapid, Point-of-Care Assays by Private Practitioners in Chennai, India: Priorities for Tuberculosis Diagnostic Testing. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155775. [PMID: 27304061 PMCID: PMC4909228 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
SETTING Private practitioners are frequently the first point of healthcare contact for patients with tuberculosis (TB) in India. As new molecular tests are developed for point-of-care (POC) diagnosis of TB, it is imperative to understand these individuals' practices and preferences for POC testing. OBJECTIVE To evaluate rapid testing practices and identify priorities for novel POC TB tests among private practitioners in Chennai. DESIGN We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 228 practitioners practicing in the private sector from January 2014 to February 2015 who saw at least one TB patient in the previous year. Practitioners were randomly selected from both the general community and a list of practitioners who referred patients to a public-private mix program for TB treatment. We used standardized questionnaires to collect data on current practices related to point-of-care diagnosis and interest in hypothetical POC tests. We used multivariable Poisson regression with robust estimates of standard error to calculate measures of association. RESULTS Among 228 private practitioners, about half (48%) utilized any rapid testing in their current practice, most commonly for glucose (43%), pregnancy (21%), and malaria (5%). Providers using POC tests were more likely to work in hospitals (56% vs. 43%, P = 0.05) and less likely to be chest specialists (21% vs. 54%, P<0.001). Only half (51%) of providers would use a hypothetical POC test for TB that was accurate, equipment-free, and took 20 minutes to complete. Chest specialists were half as likely to express interest in performing the hypothetical POC TB test in-house as other practitioners (aPR 0.5, 95%CI: 0.2-0.9). Key challenges to performing POC testing for TB in this study included time constraints, easy access to local private labs and lack of an attached lab facility. CONCLUSION As novel POC tests for TB are developed and scaled up, attention must be paid to integrating these diagnostics into healthcare providers' routine practice and addressing barriers for POC testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Bronner Murrison
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | - Madhukar Pai
- McGill International TB Centre & Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David W. Dowdy
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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