Preferences for tongue swab-based versus sputum-based testing in the context of TB care: a best-worst scaling exercise in Vietnam and Zambia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The development of non-sputum-based tests is an urgent priority to increase access to tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic testing. Understanding preferences of people undergoing testing is critical for designing tests and strategies aligned with their needs.

Methods

We conducted a survey and best-worst scaling (BWS) exercise to determine relative preferences for tongue swab-based versus sputum-based testing among people (≥13 years) with presumptive TB at primary health centres in Vietnam and Zambia. The BWS assessed 16 TB test features, including accuracy, sample type, turnaround time, cost and service aspects. We estimated mean rescaled preference weights, our primary outcome, using Hierarchical Bayes modelling and identified distinct preference groups using latent clas

SUBMITTER: Castro MDM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12542534 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature