Tuberculosis diagnosis cascade in Blantyre, Malawi: a prospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) control relies on early diagnosis and treatment. International guidelines recommend systematic TB screening at health facilities, but implementation is challenging. We investigated completion of recommended TB screening steps in Blantyre, Malawi.

Methods

A prospective cohort recruited adult outpatients attending Bangwe primary clinic. Entry interviews were linked to exit interviews. The proportion of participants progressing through each step of the diagnostic pathway were estimated. Factors associated with request for sputum were investigated using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Of 5442 clinic attendances 2397 (44%) had exit interviews. In clinically indicated participants (n = 445) 256 (57.5%) were asked about cough, 36 (8.1%

SUBMITTER: Feasey HRA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7883960 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature