Diagnostic and treatment delay among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia: a cross sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Delayed diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) results in severe disease and a higher mortality. It also leads to an increased period of infectivity in the community. The objective of this study was to determine the length of delays, and analyze the factors affecting the delay from onset of symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) until the commencement of treatment.

Methods

In randomly selected TB management units (TBMUs), i.e. government health institutions which have diagnosing and treatment facilities for TB in Amhara Region, we conducted a cross sectional study from September 1-December 31/2003. Delay was analyzed from two perspectives, 1. Period between onset of TB symptoms to first visit to any health provider (health seeking period), and from the fir

SUBMITTER: Yimer S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1326202 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature