A rapid review of the causes of diagnostic and treatment delays for tuberculosis in low-burden countries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Delays in diagnosing and treating tuberculosis (TB) have significant implications. We undertook a rapid review to explore factors associated with delays at all stages of the diagnostic and treatment pathways in low-burden settings.

Methods

We searched databases (Embase, Medline, CENTRAL, Cinahl, PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science) for qualitative and quantitative evidence (2010-25) from countries with low TB burden (incidence rate <40/100 000 in 2020). Included studies were assessed on their robustness and relevance. Due to the rapid review design, we did not conduct formal quality appraisal.

Results

The review included 3 reviews, 5 qualitative studies, 18 cohort studies, and 13 cross sectional studies (n = 41) with varying

SUBMITTER: Preston L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12669990 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature