Improving Childhood Tuberculosis Management in Pakistan
Author Information
Author(s): Safdar Nauman, Hinderaker Sven Gudmund, Baloch Noor Ahmed, Enarson Donald A, Khan Muhammad Amir, Morkve Odd
Primary Institution: Association for Social Development, Islamabad, Pakistan
Hypothesis
The implementation of the deskguide and monitoring would improve the case management (case finding and treatment outcomes) among children with tuberculosis.
Conclusion
The childhood TB deskguide and structured monitoring were associated with improved case management and treatment outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- Case finding doubled in the intervention district after the implementation of the deskguide.
- Successful treatment outcomes were significantly higher in the intervention district compared to control districts.
- The deskguide provided a structured approach to childhood TB care.
Takeaway
This study showed that using a special guide and monitoring system helped doctors find and treat more children with tuberculosis.
Methodology
An intervention study with cohort design comparing case findings and treatment outcomes before and after the intervention in intervention and control districts.
Potential Biases
Incomplete patient records and inability to follow up patients for more information.
Limitations
The results cannot be generalized due to the early implementation experience and exclusion of private sector data.
Participant Demographics
Children below 15 years registered at public sector hospitals in three districts of Punjab, Pakistan.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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