Risk factors for TB in Australia and their association with delayed treatment completion

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Australia has a low incidence of TB and has committed to eliminating the disease. Identification of risk factors associated with TB is critical to achieving this goal.METHODS: We undertook a prospective cohort study involving persons receiving TB treatment in four Australian jurisdictions. Risk factors and their association with delayed treatment completion (treatment delayed by at least 1 month) were analysed using univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression.RESULTS: Baseline surveys were completed for 402 persons with TB. Most (86.1%) were born overseas. Exposure to a person with TB was reported by 19.4%. Diabetes mellitus (10.2%), homelessness (9.2%), cigarette smoking (8.7%), excess alcohol consumption (6.0%) and mental illness (6.2%) were other common risk factors. At follow-up, 24.8% of patients had delayed treatment completion, which was associated with adverse events (34.1%, aOR 6.67, 95% CI 3.36–13.27), excess alcohol consumption (6.0%, aOR 21.94, 95% CI 6.03–79.85) and HIV co-infection (2.7%, aOR 8.10, 95% CI 1.16–56.60).CONCLUSIONS: We identified risk factors for TB and their association with delayed treatment completion, not all of which are routinely collected for surveillance purposes. Recognition of these risk factors should facilitate patient-centred care and assist Australia in reaching TB elimination.

Tuberculosis in Regional Australia: Ectopic Pregnancy Complicating Indolent Genital Tract Disease

“…The geographic distribution of TB varies widely, with two-thirds of the global burden concentrated in third-world nations [9]. Australia, as is typical of many highincome countries has an enviably low incidence of TB [10]. This is, however, a privilege not equally shared.…”

Pengaruh Pendekatan Edukasi Socio-Cultural terhadap Pencegahan TBC di Kabupaten Tapanuli Selatan

“…Prevalensi TBC dapat bervariasi tergantung pada faktor-faktor seperti kondisi sosial ekonomi (6), akses ke layanan kesehatan, dan program pencegahan TBC yang tersedia di suatu wilayah (7). Oleh karena itu, upaya pencegahan dan pengobatan TBC perlu terus ditingkatkan agar prevalensi TBC dapat dikurangi (8).…”

Poor performance of paired tests of latent tuberculosis in highly immune-compromised individuals exposed to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: time for new diagnostic markers

“…Australia has one of the lowest incidence rates for tuberculosis (TB) in the world at <6 per 100 000 population [ 1 ]. The necessity to clarify diagnostic and management strategies for TB in vulnerable populations is heightened by an increasingly multicultural immigrant population from high TB prevalence locations and growing numbers of individuals exposed to immune suppressing and modulating therapies.…”

“…No cases of ATB occurred during 3 years of follow-up, a period during which progression to ATB would be likely to have occurred in those infected [ 1 ]. This most likely reflects the relatively low risk of transmission in most contacts given minimal contact, and the association of positive results with other risks of prior exposure (including COB).…”