Abstract
Two methods of case-finding used in Eastern Nepal have been compared. The differences in terms of outcome and patient compliance in one district have been examined in detail and compared with results in 4 other nieghbouring^districts. The 2 methods compared were active case-finding (ACF) carried out by mobile teams and self referral (SR) of patients to the existing services. The results can be summarised thus:o1In a district with established tuberculosis services an active case-finding campaign revealed patients that had not presented for treatment of thier own accord.2These patients tended to be older than self-referred patients and there was a higher proportion of women.3ACF patients defaulted from treatment more than SR patients and older women were more likely to default than older men.4Proximity to a health facility or treatment at a health post (HP) did not decrease the proportion defaulting in the ACF group but both these factors positively influenced the default rate in SR patients.5Over 90 % of ACF patients had theIr first period of default within 6 months of starting treatment and if they returned they were more likely than SR patients to default again.6The number of ACF patients completing 1 year's treatment with sputum conversion was significantly lower than SR patients in this and 3 other districts.7In a district where no separate tuberculosis services existed the cure rate among ACF patients was significantly lower than in 4 districts where separate services had been established.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 175-185 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Tubercle |
Volume | 63 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1982 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine