Case finding in tuberculosis patients: Diagnostic and treatment delays and their determinants

A nested case-control study was conducted in all tuberculosis centers implementing directly observed treatment short course [DOTS] strategy for tuberculosis control in Yemen. The aim is to determine the extent and determinants of delay in diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis patients [PTB]. 598 new smear-positive patients were interviewed using a structured and pre tested questionnaire regarding their health seeking behavior and other determinants of delay in getting timely and appropriate care