Delays in Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment in Vietnam
Author Information
Author(s): Huong Nguyen T, Vree Marleen, Duong Bui D, Khanh Vu T, Loan Vu T, Co Nguyen V, Borgdorff Martien W, Cobelens Frank G
Primary Institution: National Hospital of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hypothesis
What are the risk factors for long delays in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis patients in Vietnam?
Conclusion
Efforts should be made to further reduce diagnostic delays by improving the referral from the private to the public health sector.
Supporting Evidence
- Median total delay was 4 weeks, with 15% of patients experiencing long total delays of 12 weeks or more.
- Long delays were associated with factors such as female sex, middle age, and initial visits to private health care providers.
- Patient delay accounted for 63% of total delay overall.
Takeaway
This study looked at how long it takes for people in Vietnam to get diagnosed and treated for tuberculosis, finding that some people wait a long time, especially if they go to private doctors first.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey of new patients treated by the National Tuberculosis Control Programme was conducted in 70 randomly selected districts in Vietnam.
Potential Biases
Patients may have delayed treatment due to fear of stigmatization or reluctance to disclose their condition.
Limitations
Recall bias may affect the accuracy of reported delays, and selection bias may occur as some patients were not included if they sought treatment elsewhere.
Participant Demographics
71% male, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.5:1; included various age groups and ethnicities.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 13%–16%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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