Latent tuberculosis screening and treatment among asylum seekers: A mixed methods study
European Respiratory Journal Sep 29, 2019
Spruijt I, Haile DT, Suurmond J, et al. - Since there is a need for evidence on conditions for the implementation of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection screening and treatment among asylum seekers so that TB control policies can be informed, researchers assessed the implementation of a latent TB infection (LTBI) screening and treatment program among asylum seekers in the Netherlands, using mixed-methods. Screening for LTBI was performed in 719 (63% of 1136) clients, with a diagnosis of LTBI in 178 (25%) clients: 149 (84%) started LTBI therapy, of whom 129 (87%) completed treatment. Factors that enhanced LTBI screening uptake were in-person TB and LTBI education, the use of professional interpreters, and collaboration with partner organisations. Treatment completion was enhanced by demand-driven LTBI treatment support by TB nurses. Having to travel to public health service, language difficulties and moving from asylum seeker centres to the community during treatment were all identified as factors that complicated LTBI screening and treatment. Overall, the feasibility, as well as the efficacy of LTBI screening and treatment of asylum seekers, was shown in this study when high quality of care was offered including culture sensitive TB education during the care cascade.
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