The socioeconomic burden of pediatric tuberculosis and role of child-sensitive social protection.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Households of children with tuberculosis (TB) experience financial and social hardships, but TB-specific social protection initiatives primarily focus on adults.

Methods

We conducted a single-arm, pilot study of multi-component supportive benefits for children with pulmonary TB in Kampala, Uganda. At diagnosis, participants received in-kind coverage of direct medical costs, a cash transfer, and patient navigation. Caregivers were surveyed before diagnosis and 2 months into TB treatment on social and financial challenges related to their child's illness, including estimated costs, loss of income and dissaving practices.

Results

We included 368 children from 321 households. Pre-diagnosis, 80.1% of caregivers reported that their child's illness negatively impa

SUBMITTER: Shah K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10675962 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature