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1- School of Public Health, Gudie University Project, Kampala. , rbasaza@gmail.com
2- Department of Public Health, Uganda Christian University, Mukono.
3- School of Public Health and Management, Clarke International University, Kampala.
2- Department of Public Health, Uganda Christian University, Mukono.
3- School of Public Health and Management, Clarke International University, Kampala.
Abstract: (24 Views)
Background: Early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis is important in avoiding poor outcomes such as multiple drug resistance tuberculosis, community spread and death. This study aimed at identifying factors associated with delay in diagnosis of tuberculosis at health facilities.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 126 randomly selected tuberculosis patients aged 18 years and above attending primary health care facilities in a high HIV burden fishing community. Tuberculosis patients were identified retrospectively between January 2022 and September 2023 and risk factors for delayed diagnosis analyzed using Chi square tests in Namayingo district, Uganda using interviewer administered questionnaire.
Results: The median age of the respondents was 36 years, 60% being male and 40% female. The total diagnostic delay was evident in 69.4% with a median of 8 weeks. Patient delay was the biggest contributor to total diagnostic delay at 64% with a median of 6 weeks, followed by health facility delay at 50% and a median of 2 weeks, testing delay was 46.5% with a median delay of zero days while treatment delay was at 12.5% with a median of zero days. The predictors of patient delay included respondent’s sex and knowledge about tuberculosis. The predictors of health facility delay included level of equipment at the health facility.
Conclusion: There was unacceptable total diagnostic delay of 8 weeks. Patient delay was the leading contributor to total diagnostic delay. The Ministry of Health of Uganda and her partners could intensify awareness about tuberculosis and improve supply of tuberculosis equipment and utilities.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 126 randomly selected tuberculosis patients aged 18 years and above attending primary health care facilities in a high HIV burden fishing community. Tuberculosis patients were identified retrospectively between January 2022 and September 2023 and risk factors for delayed diagnosis analyzed using Chi square tests in Namayingo district, Uganda using interviewer administered questionnaire.
Results: The median age of the respondents was 36 years, 60% being male and 40% female. The total diagnostic delay was evident in 69.4% with a median of 8 weeks. Patient delay was the biggest contributor to total diagnostic delay at 64% with a median of 6 weeks, followed by health facility delay at 50% and a median of 2 weeks, testing delay was 46.5% with a median delay of zero days while treatment delay was at 12.5% with a median of zero days. The predictors of patient delay included respondent’s sex and knowledge about tuberculosis. The predictors of health facility delay included level of equipment at the health facility.
Conclusion: There was unacceptable total diagnostic delay of 8 weeks. Patient delay was the leading contributor to total diagnostic delay. The Ministry of Health of Uganda and her partners could intensify awareness about tuberculosis and improve supply of tuberculosis equipment and utilities.
Type of Study: Orginal Article |
Subject:
● Health Systems
Received: 2023/10/8 | Accepted: 2024/10/15
Received: 2023/10/8 | Accepted: 2024/10/15
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