Barriers and delays in tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment services: does gender matter?

ABSTRACT: Background. Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global public health problem with known gender-related disparities. We reviewed the quantitative evidence for gender-related differences in accessing TB services from symptom onset to treatment initiation. Methods. Following a systematic review process, we: searched 12 electronic databases; included quantitative studies assessing gender differences in accessing TB diagnostic and treatment services; abstracted data; and assessed study validity. We defined barriers and delays at the individual and provider/system levels using a conceptual framework of the TB care continuum and examined gender-related differences. Results. Among 13,448 articles, 137 were included: many assessed individual-level barriers (52%) and delays (42%), 76% surveyed persons prese

SUBMITTER: Yang WT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4020203 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature