Impact of DOTS Expansion on Tuberculosis Outcomes in Haiti
Author Information
Author(s): Jacquet Vary, Morose Willy, Schwartzman Kevin, Oxlade Olivia, Barr Graham, Grimard Franque, Menzies Dick
Primary Institution: National tuberculosis control programme, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Hypothesis
Can the expansion of the DOTS strategy significantly reduce tuberculosis incidence and costs in Haiti?
Conclusion
Investing in DOTS expansion in Haiti would greatly reduce tuberculosis-related illness and death while saving money for society.
Supporting Evidence
- DOTS expansion is projected to cost $4.2 million and avert 63,080 TB cases over 20 years.
- Societal savings from DOTS expansion are estimated at $131 million.
- Current government spending on TB is high relative to per capita income.
Takeaway
If Haiti expands its tuberculosis treatment program, it can help a lot of people and save money in the long run.
Methodology
Decision analysis using Markov modelling to compare tuberculosis outcomes and costs with and without DOTS expansion.
Potential Biases
Potential overestimation of societal savings due to not accounting for other illnesses among survivors.
Limitations
Assumptions regarding the impact of DOTS on incidence and the stability of the population may not hold true.
Participant Demographics
Participants were adults undergoing treatment for new smear-positive pulmonary TB in Haiti.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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