Gaps in the care cascade for screening and treatment of refugees with tuberculosis infection in Middle Tennessee: a retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Treatment of tuberculosis infection (TBI) in individuals at high risk for tuberculosis (TB) disease is a priority for TB elimination in the US. Newly arrived refugees in Middle Tennessee are screened for TBI, but factors associated with gaps in the TBI care cascade are not well characterized. METHODS:We assessed the TBI care cascade from US entry to completion of treatment for refugees who resettled in Middle Tennessee from 2012 through 2016. We assessed factors associated with treatment initiation and completion using logistic regression models. RESULTS:Of 6776 refugees who completed initial health screening, 1681 (25%) screened positive for TBI, 1208 were eligible for treatment, 690 started treatment, and 432 completed treatment. Male sex (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.42; 95% Confidence

SUBMITTER: Manful A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7418421 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature