Delays in Tuberculosis Management in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Author Information
Author(s): Mfinanga Sayoki G, Mutayoba Beatrice K, Kahwa Amos, Kimaro Godfather, Mtandu Rugola, Ngadaya Esther, Egwaga Said, Kitua Andrew Y
Primary Institution: NIMR, Muhimbili Medical Research Centre
Hypothesis
What are the magnitude and factors responsible for delays in tuberculosis management?
Conclusion
Significant delays in tuberculosis management were observed, primarily due to delays in diagnosis and treatment, with females experiencing longer delays than males.
Supporting Evidence
- 78.4% of patients had good knowledge on TB transmission.
- 35.1% of patients experienced patient delay in seeking care.
- 52.9% of patients faced diagnosis delay.
- Delays were significantly higher in females compared to males.
- Factors contributing to delays included poor knowledge of TB symptoms and distance from health facilities.
Takeaway
This study found that many people with tuberculosis took a long time to get help, especially women, because they didn't know the symptoms well and had trouble getting to health facilities.
Methodology
A cross-sectional hospital-based survey was conducted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, interviewing 639 smear-positive TB patients.
Potential Biases
Recall bias may affect the accuracy of reported delays.
Limitations
The study relied on patient recall for delays, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 60.7% males and 39.3% females, with a mean age of 34.3 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.14, 4.31
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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