A cluster-randomized trial of household vs incentive-based tuberculosis contact investigation in rural South Africa: implementation reach.

ABSTRACT: The World Health Organization recommends TB contact investigation in high-burden countries. We examined the implementation reach of two contact investigation strategies in South Africa. Kharitode TB, a cluster-randomized crossover trial, compared household- and incentive-based contact investigation in 28 clinics (July 2016-January 2020). Clinics used each strategy for 18 months (separated by a six-month "washout"). Adults recently diagnosed with TB (index participants) were enrolled. In the household-based arm, contact persons were screened and provided sputum samples at home. In the incentive-based arm, index participants distributed referral coupons to their contacts, who received a $3.50 incentive upon presenting for screening at clinics. We used mixed-effects logistic regression with r

SUBMITTER: Machavariani E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12680170 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature