Delayed diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis in high-burden countries: a systematic review protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Countries identified to bear the highest tuberculosis (TB) incidence account for approximately 85% of the global TB burden. TB is curable, yet nearly 40% of TB cases remained undiagnosed hence delaying treatment and perpetuating transmission. This systematic review aimed to review current evidence on factors associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment of TB in the high TB-burden countries.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review will incorporate qualitative and observational study designs published between 2008 and 2018. Articles will be retrieved from major databases including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO. Reference lists of key articles, including relevant systematic reviews and meta-analysis, will be screened for additional studies. Two indepen

SUBMITTER: Teo AKJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6629411 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature