A Study to Investigate Delays and Barriers in Diagnosis Initiation for Childhood Tuberculosis.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable disease caused by bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). It is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Aims: To investigate delays and barriers in the diagnosis of TB in children and to investigate delays and barriers in treatment initiation in children with TB. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Paediatrics, Govt. Medical College, Patiala. A total of 126 subjects were enrolled in the present study. Children diagnosed with T.B (Pulmonary or extra pulmonary TB) attending the department of Pulmonary Medicine and Paediatrics, Govt. Medical College, Patiala over a period of one year was included in the study. Result: Health facility of the health care professional who made the initial TB diagnosis was chest hospital, Patiala in 65.87 percent of the patients while it was made in govt. hospitals in the remaining 28.57 percent of the patients. Health facility of the health care professional who made the initial TB diagnosis was in private practice in 5.56 percent of the patients. Conclusion: Health facility of the health care professional who made the initial TB diagnosis was chest hospital, Patiala in 65.87 percent of the patients while it was made in govt. hospitals in the remaining 28.57 percent of the patients. Health facility of the health care professional who made the initial TB diagnosis was in private practice in 5.56 percent of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]