Diagnostic delay in extrapulmonary tuberculosis and impact on patient morbidity: A study from Zanzibar.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Early and proper treatment of tuberculosis could have an important impact on the morbidity, mortality and the economic situation of patients. There is insufficient knowledge on the extent of diagnostic delay and the associated factors in extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). The aims of this study were to assess the health care seeking behaviour, EPTB knowledge and diagnostic delay in presumptive EPTB patients at the main referral hospital in Zanzibar, factors associated with longer delay, and the impact of untreated EPTB on self-rated health.

Materials and methods

Prospective data collection using a semi-structured questionnaire in patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of EPTB. The time between the onset of symptoms and first visit to a health care provider

SUBMITTER: Jorstad MD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6126857 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature