Health Seeking Behavior and Tuberculosis Case Finding in Gambians with Cough
Author Information
Author(s): Kasse Yaya, Jasseh Momodou, Corrah Tumani, Donkor Simon A, Antonnio Martin, Jallow Adama, Adegbola Richard A, Hill Philip C
Primary Institution: Tuberculosis Division, Medical Research Council Laboratories, Banjul, The Gambia
Hypothesis
We aimed to study health-seeking behaviour and experience of those with cough in The Gambia and to identify whether they had tuberculosis.
Conclusion
The majority of people with cough in this population seek appropriate help early, and improved case detection might be achieved through the use of chest X-ray in addition to sputum smear.
Supporting Evidence
- 81% of participants sought treatment for their cough either at health facilities or alternative health services.
- The median time to seek treatment was 2 weeks.
- 13 individuals were diagnosed with tuberculosis through case finding.
Takeaway
Most people with a cough in The Gambia go to the doctor quickly, but some still wait too long. Using X-rays can help find more cases of tuberculosis.
Methodology
A questionnaire was administered to individuals over 10 years old who had been coughing for 3 weeks or more, followed by sputum smear and chest X-ray for tuberculosis case finding.
Potential Biases
There may be gender bias in passive case detection, as more women were identified with TB than expected.
Limitations
The study may have a relatively low yield in identifying TB cases due to the method of case finding.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were illiterate (83%), with a median age of 47 years, and the most common occupation was farming (49%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Statistical Significance
p = 0.03
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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