Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
PLOS One. 2017 June 8; Volume 12 (Issue 6); DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0176581
Zhang C, Ruan Y, Cheng J, Zhao F, Xia Y, et al.
PLOS One. 2017 June 8; Volume 12 (Issue 6); DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0176581
To calculate the yield and cost per diagnosed tuberculosis (TB) case for three World Health Organization screening algorithms and one using the Chinese National TB program (NTP) TB suspect definitions, using data from a TB prevalence survey of people aged 65 years and over in China, 2013.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Public Health Action. 2015 June 21; Volume 5 (Issue 2); 93-98.; DOI:10.5588/pha.15.0004
Joshi B, Chinnakali P, Shrestha A, Das M, Kumar AMV, et al.
Public Health Action. 2015 June 21; Volume 5 (Issue 2); 93-98.; DOI:10.5588/pha.15.0004
SETTING
Seven intervention districts with intensified childhood tuberculosis (TB) case-finding strategies implemented by a non-governmental organisation and seven control districts under the National Tuberculosis Programme, Nepal.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the differences in childhood TB case registrations and case registration rates per 100 000 population between two time periods (Year 1 = March 2012-March 2013 and Year 2 = March 2013-March 2014) in intervention and control districts.
DESIGN
Retrospective record review using routinely collected data.
RESULTS
Childhood TB cases increased from 271 to 360 between Years 1 and 2 in the intervention districts (case registration rate from 18.2 to 24.2/100 000) and from 97 to 113 in the control districts (13.4 to 15.6/100 000): the increases were significantly higher in the intervention districts compared with the control districts. The increases were also significantly higher in children aged 0-4 years and in those with smear-negative pulmonary TB and extra-pulmonary TB. Of the various case-finding strategies, household contact screening, private-public mix services and mobile health chest camps produced the highest yield of TB.
CONCLUSION
A package of intensified case-finding strategies in children was associated with an increase in childhood TB case registrations in Nepal. Additional diagnostic approaches to increase case registrations also need to be considered.
Seven intervention districts with intensified childhood tuberculosis (TB) case-finding strategies implemented by a non-governmental organisation and seven control districts under the National Tuberculosis Programme, Nepal.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the differences in childhood TB case registrations and case registration rates per 100 000 population between two time periods (Year 1 = March 2012-March 2013 and Year 2 = March 2013-March 2014) in intervention and control districts.
DESIGN
Retrospective record review using routinely collected data.
RESULTS
Childhood TB cases increased from 271 to 360 between Years 1 and 2 in the intervention districts (case registration rate from 18.2 to 24.2/100 000) and from 97 to 113 in the control districts (13.4 to 15.6/100 000): the increases were significantly higher in the intervention districts compared with the control districts. The increases were also significantly higher in children aged 0-4 years and in those with smear-negative pulmonary TB and extra-pulmonary TB. Of the various case-finding strategies, household contact screening, private-public mix services and mobile health chest camps produced the highest yield of TB.
CONCLUSION
A package of intensified case-finding strategies in children was associated with an increase in childhood TB case registrations in Nepal. Additional diagnostic approaches to increase case registrations also need to be considered.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Public Health Action. 2013 September 21; Volume 3 (Issue 3); 243-6.; DOI:10.5588/pha.13.0051
Siddiquea BN, Islam MS, Bam TS, Satyanarayana S, Enarson D, et al.
Public Health Action. 2013 September 21; Volume 3 (Issue 3); 243-6.; DOI:10.5588/pha.13.0051
SETTING
BRAC, a non-governmental organisation, implemented a modified smoking cessation programme for tuberculosis (TB) patients based on International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) guidelines in 17 peri-urban centres of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a modified version of The Union's smoking cessation intervention was effective in promoting cessation among TB patients and determinants associated with quitting smoking.
DESIGN
Cohort study of routinely collected data.
RESULTS
A total of 3134 TB patients were registered from May 2011 to April 2012. Of these, 615 (20%) were current smokers, with a mean age of 38 years (±13.8). On treatment completion, 562 patients were analysed, with 53 (9%) lost to follow-up or dead, while 82% of smokers had quit. Patients with extra-pulmonary TB were less likely to quit than those with pulmonary TB. Patients with high-intensity dependence were less likely to quit than those with low-intensity dependence.
CONCLUSION
This study suggests that a simplified smoking cessation intervention can be effective in promoting smoking cessation among TB patients in Bangladesh. This is encouraging for other low-resource settings; the Bangladesh National Tuberculosis Control Programme should consider nationwide scaling up and integration of this smoking cessation plan.
BRAC, a non-governmental organisation, implemented a modified smoking cessation programme for tuberculosis (TB) patients based on International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) guidelines in 17 peri-urban centres of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a modified version of The Union's smoking cessation intervention was effective in promoting cessation among TB patients and determinants associated with quitting smoking.
DESIGN
Cohort study of routinely collected data.
RESULTS
A total of 3134 TB patients were registered from May 2011 to April 2012. Of these, 615 (20%) were current smokers, with a mean age of 38 years (±13.8). On treatment completion, 562 patients were analysed, with 53 (9%) lost to follow-up or dead, while 82% of smokers had quit. Patients with extra-pulmonary TB were less likely to quit than those with pulmonary TB. Patients with high-intensity dependence were less likely to quit than those with low-intensity dependence.
CONCLUSION
This study suggests that a simplified smoking cessation intervention can be effective in promoting smoking cessation among TB patients in Bangladesh. This is encouraging for other low-resource settings; the Bangladesh National Tuberculosis Control Programme should consider nationwide scaling up and integration of this smoking cessation plan.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Public Health Action. 2015 June 21; Volume 5 (Issue 2); 150-152.; DOI:10.5588/pha.15.0006
Rajapakshe W, Isaakidis P, Sagili KD, Kumar AMV, Samaraweera S, et al.
Public Health Action. 2015 June 21; Volume 5 (Issue 2); 150-152.; DOI:10.5588/pha.15.0006
Given the well-known linkage between diabetes mellitus (DM) and tuberculosis (TB), the World Health Organization recommends bidirectional screening. Here we report the first screening effort of its kind from a chest clinic in the Ampara district of Sri Lanka. Of 112 TB patients registered between January 2013 and October 2014, eight had pre-existing DM. Of those remaining, 83 (80%) underwent fasting plasma glucose testing, of whom two (2%) and 17 (20%) were found to have diabetes and impaired fasting glucose, respectively. All of these were enrolled in care. Screening TB patients for DM was found to be feasible at the district level. Further studies at the provincial/country level are required before making any decision to scale up bidirectional screening.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 May 13; Volume 19 (Issue 10); 5936.; DOI:10.3390/ijerph19105936
Kamara KN, Squire JS, Kanu JS, Carshon-Marsh R, Koroma Z, et al.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 May 13; Volume 19 (Issue 10); 5936.; DOI:10.3390/ijerph19105936
Implementing and monitoring infection prevention and control (IPC) measures at immigration points of entry (PoEs) is key to preventing infections, reducing excessive use of antimicrobials, and tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Sierra Leone has been implementing IPC measures at four PoEs (Queen Elizabeth II Quay port, Lungi International Airport, and the Jendema and Gbalamuya ground crossings) since the last Ebola outbreak in 2014–2015. We adapted the World Health Organization IPC Assessment Framework tool to assess these measures and identify any gaps in their components at each PoE through a cross-sectional study in May 2021. IPC measures were Inadequate (0–25%) at Queen Elizabeth II Quay port (21%; 11/53) and Jendema (25%; 13/53) and Basic (26–50%) at Lungi International Airport (40%; 21/53) and Gbalamuya (49%; 26/53). IPC components with the highest scores were: having a referral system (85%; 17/20), cleaning and sanitation (63%; 15/24), and having a screening station (59%; 19/32). The lowest scores (0% each) were reported for the availability of IPC guidelines and monitoring of IPC practices. This was the first study in Sierra Leone highlighting significant gaps in the implementation of IPC measures at PoEs. We call on the AMR multisectoral coordinating committee to enhance IPC measures at all PoEs.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Public Health Action. 2012 December 21; Volume 2 (Issue 4); 138-41.; DOI:10.5588/pha.12.0034
Ram S, Kishore K, Batio I, Bissell K, Zachariah R, et al.
Public Health Action. 2012 December 21; Volume 2 (Issue 4); 138-41.; DOI:10.5588/pha.12.0034
SETTING
All tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic and treatment centres in Fiji.
OBJECTIVES
To report on pre-treatment loss to follow-up rates over a 10-year period (2001-2010) and to examine if patients' age, sex and geographic origin are associated with the observed shortcomings in the health services.
METHODS
A retrospective review of routine programme data reconciling TB laboratory and treatment registers.
RESULTS
A total of 690 sputum smear-positive TB patients were diagnosed in the laboratory, of whom 579 (84%) were started on anti-tuberculosis treatment-an overall pre-treatment loss to follow-up of 111 (16%). Peak loss to follow-up rates were seen in 2003, 2004 and 2010. Pre-treatment losses were all aged ≥15 years. In the Western Division of Fiji, 33% of sputum-positive patients were declared pre-treatment loss to follow-up; this division had over five times the risk of such an adverse outcome compared to the Central Division (OR 5.2, 95%CI 3.1-8.9, P < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
This study has identified an important shortcoming in programme linkage, communication and feedback between TB diagnostic and treatment services, leading to high pre-treatment loss to follow-up rates. This negatively influences TB services, and ways to rectify this situation are discussed.
All tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic and treatment centres in Fiji.
OBJECTIVES
To report on pre-treatment loss to follow-up rates over a 10-year period (2001-2010) and to examine if patients' age, sex and geographic origin are associated with the observed shortcomings in the health services.
METHODS
A retrospective review of routine programme data reconciling TB laboratory and treatment registers.
RESULTS
A total of 690 sputum smear-positive TB patients were diagnosed in the laboratory, of whom 579 (84%) were started on anti-tuberculosis treatment-an overall pre-treatment loss to follow-up of 111 (16%). Peak loss to follow-up rates were seen in 2003, 2004 and 2010. Pre-treatment losses were all aged ≥15 years. In the Western Division of Fiji, 33% of sputum-positive patients were declared pre-treatment loss to follow-up; this division had over five times the risk of such an adverse outcome compared to the Central Division (OR 5.2, 95%CI 3.1-8.9, P < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
This study has identified an important shortcoming in programme linkage, communication and feedback between TB diagnostic and treatment services, leading to high pre-treatment loss to follow-up rates. This negatively influences TB services, and ways to rectify this situation are discussed.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Infect Dis Poverty. 2017 March 24 (Issue 1)
Han WW, Saw S, Isaakidis P, Khogali MA, Reid A, et al.
Infect Dis Poverty. 2017 March 24 (Issue 1)
International non-governmental organizations (INGOs) have been implementing community-based tuberculosis (TB) care (CBTBC) in Myanmar since 2011. Although the National TB Programme (NTP) ultimately plans to take over CBTBC, there have been no evaluations of the models of care or of the costs of providing CBTBC in Myanmar by INGOs.
Journal Article > CommentaryFull Text
Public Health Action. 2013 June 21; Volume 3 (Issue 2); DOI:10.5588/pha.13.0002
Mlilo N, Sandy C, Harries AD, Kumar AMV, Masuka N, et al.
Public Health Action. 2013 June 21; Volume 3 (Issue 2); DOI:10.5588/pha.13.0002
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Public Health Action. 2014 June 21; Volume 4 (Issue 2); 105-9.; DOI:10.5588/pha.13.0111
Abeygunawardena SC, Sharath BN, Van der Bergh R, Naik B, Pallewatta N, et al.
Public Health Action. 2014 June 21; Volume 4 (Issue 2); 105-9.; DOI:10.5588/pha.13.0111
SETTING
District Chest Clinic, Kalutara, Sri Lanka.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the coverage of culture and drug susceptibility testing (CDST), delays in CDST, treatment initiation, obtaining CDST results and treatment outcomes of previously treated tuberculosis (TB) patients.
DESIGN
Retrospective cohort study involving review of records and reports. All previously treated TB patients from January 2008 to June 2013 were included in the study.
RESULTS
Of 160 patients, 126 (79%) samples were sent for CDST; 79 (63%) were culture-positive and no multi-drug-resistant (MDR) TB cases were reported. Respectively 9% and 15% of patients experienced a delay in sending samples (median delay 21 days) and receiving CDST reports (median delay 71 days), while 20% experienced delays in initiating the retreatment regimen (median delay 11.5 days). The cohort recorded an 82% treatment success rate.
CONCLUSION
Of all retreatment patients, only 79% were tested for CDST and there were sizeable delays in sample transportation and treatment initiation. Possible ways forward to strengthen the programme are discussed.
District Chest Clinic, Kalutara, Sri Lanka.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the coverage of culture and drug susceptibility testing (CDST), delays in CDST, treatment initiation, obtaining CDST results and treatment outcomes of previously treated tuberculosis (TB) patients.
DESIGN
Retrospective cohort study involving review of records and reports. All previously treated TB patients from January 2008 to June 2013 were included in the study.
RESULTS
Of 160 patients, 126 (79%) samples were sent for CDST; 79 (63%) were culture-positive and no multi-drug-resistant (MDR) TB cases were reported. Respectively 9% and 15% of patients experienced a delay in sending samples (median delay 21 days) and receiving CDST reports (median delay 71 days), while 20% experienced delays in initiating the retreatment regimen (median delay 11.5 days). The cohort recorded an 82% treatment success rate.
CONCLUSION
Of all retreatment patients, only 79% were tested for CDST and there were sizeable delays in sample transportation and treatment initiation. Possible ways forward to strengthen the programme are discussed.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Public Health Action. 2014 October 21; Volume 4 (Issue 2); S41-6.; DOI:10.5588/pha.14.0048
Kuchukhidze G, Kumar AMV, de Colombani P, Khogali MA, Nanava U, et al.
Public Health Action. 2014 October 21; Volume 4 (Issue 2); S41-6.; DOI:10.5588/pha.14.0048
SETTING
Georgia, a country with a high-burden of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
OBJECTIVE
To determine the proportion of loss to follow-up (LFU) among MDR-TB patients treated nationwide from 2009 to 2011, and associated risk factors.
DESIGN
Retrospective cohort study involving a review of the National Tuberculosis Programme electronic surveillance database. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess risk factors for time to LFU.
RESULTS
Among 1593 patients, 458 (29%) were lost to follow-up. A total of 1240 MDR-TB patients were included in the final analysis (845 treatment success, 395 LFU). Over 40% of LFU occurred during the first 8 months of MDR-TB treatment; 40% of patients had not achieved culture conversion at the time of LFU. In multivariate analysis, the factors associated with LFU included male sex, illicit drug use, tobacco use, history of previous anti-tuberculosis treatment, site of TB disease, and place and year of initiating treatment.
CONCLUSION
LFU was high among MDR-TB patients in Georgia and posed a significant public health risk, as many were culture-positive at the time of LFU. A multi-pronged approach is needed to address the various patient- and treatment-related characteristics associated with LFU.
Georgia, a country with a high-burden of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
OBJECTIVE
To determine the proportion of loss to follow-up (LFU) among MDR-TB patients treated nationwide from 2009 to 2011, and associated risk factors.
DESIGN
Retrospective cohort study involving a review of the National Tuberculosis Programme electronic surveillance database. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess risk factors for time to LFU.
RESULTS
Among 1593 patients, 458 (29%) were lost to follow-up. A total of 1240 MDR-TB patients were included in the final analysis (845 treatment success, 395 LFU). Over 40% of LFU occurred during the first 8 months of MDR-TB treatment; 40% of patients had not achieved culture conversion at the time of LFU. In multivariate analysis, the factors associated with LFU included male sex, illicit drug use, tobacco use, history of previous anti-tuberculosis treatment, site of TB disease, and place and year of initiating treatment.
CONCLUSION
LFU was high among MDR-TB patients in Georgia and posed a significant public health risk, as many were culture-positive at the time of LFU. A multi-pronged approach is needed to address the various patient- and treatment-related characteristics associated with LFU.