Diagnostic and Treatment Delay among New Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Southern India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Delay in diagnosis and treatment enhances tuberculosis (TB) transmission and mortality. Understanding causes for delay can help in TB elimination by 2025, the stated goal of India. Objectives: Estimate diagnostic and treatment delay in Ernakulam district of Kerala, identify associated factors, and determine health-seeking behavior and knowledge regarding TB among new pulmonary TB patients. Materials and Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study among the new pulmonary TB patients registered under Revised National TB Control Program. Patients interviewed in-person and data collected using pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics expressed as frequency, percent, interquartile range, median, and mean. The Chi?square test was used to assess statistical significance (P < 0.05) of association. Backward conditional method logistic regression done using variables with P < 0.2 in univariate analysis and adjusting for possible confounders. Results: Two hundred and twenty-nine patients interviewed and the median patient, health-care system, and treatment delay were 25 days, 22 days, and 1 day, respectively. While the patient delay (>30 days) and treatment delay (>2 days) were seen in 47.6% and 41% of patients, respectively, health?care system delay was seen in 79.9% of the patients. Choosing pharmacy for initial treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.217), unskilled occupation (aOR = 3.717), female gender (aOR = 3.467), previously not heard about TB (aOR = 3.410), and lower education level (aOR = 2.774) were the independent predictors of the patient delay. Visiting two or more doctors (aOR = 5.855) and initially visiting a doctor of undergraduate qualification (aOR = 3.650) were the independent predictors of health?care system delay. The diagnosis in private sector (aOR = 8.989), not being admitted (aOR = 3.441), and age above 60 years (aOR = 0.394) was the independent predictors of treatment delay. Conclusion: Initial treatment from pharmacy, consulting multiple physicians, and diagnosis by private sector cause significant delay in diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary TB.

From Scylla to Charybdis: Fixed drug combinations for tuberculosis and increased ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy in India

Purpose: To describe the increase in prevalence of ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy (EON) in patients presenting to a single tertiary referral eye care center in India after introduction of weight-based fixed dose combinations and an increase in duration of ethambutol use from 2016 in the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational, referral hospital-based study of 156 patients with a diagnosis of EON presenting to a single tertiary referral eye care center between January 2016 and December 2019. The main outcome measure was to assess the increase in prevalence of EON cases presenting to our tertiary care institute. Results: During the 4-year study period, 156 new patients were diagnosed with EON. A total of 101 patients (64.7%) were males and 55 (35.3%) were females. The most common age group affected was 41–60 years. The significant complaint at presentation was decreased vision in all the patients. A rising trend in the number of patients diagnosed as EON was seen, with the prevalence increasing from 16 cases in 2016, 13 cases in 2017, and 31 cases in 2018 to 96 cases in 2019. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated an alarming increase in the trend of EON cases presenting to our tertiary care institute.

Reducing the burden of Tuberculosis: an emphasis on improving awareness among caregivers

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the common communicable disease affecting human beings since ancient times. Though effective chemotherapy emerged during 20th century had raised hope towards eliminating TB burden, it still remains as a distant goal. Awareness about TB among close contacts of active disease is of paramount importance in preventing its spread and promoting early diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to assess the knowledge about tuberculosis among caregivers of tuberculosis patients.Methods: This was a cross sectional study that enrolled 300 subjects who were then caregivers of tuberculosis patients admitted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine. Subjects were interviewed according to a predesigned panel of questions meant to assess their basic knowledge and perceptions about tuberculosis symptomatology, diagnostic modalities, treatment and prevention.Results: About 90.3% (n=271) of subjects had heard about TB previously and about 37.7% (n=113) considered themselves to be well aware of it. Most of them believed TB to be communicable (90.3%, n=271). Majority believed that TB affects lungs only (n=206, 68.7%), with most commonly perceived symptom being cough (n=285, 95%). Knowledge regarding disposal of sputum was poor (n=110, 36.7%). About 168 (56%) subjects considered usage of face mask by the patient as an effective tool for TB prevention.Conclusions: Caregivers of tuberculosis patients lack proper knowledge about major aspects of the disease. Public awareness and care giver education programs needs to be implemented along with standard TB care to reduce transmission of TB among close contacts.

Assessment of case detection performance of tuberculosis patients registered for treatment in tuberculosis units of Satara district, Maharashtra

Background: Tuberculosis is a chronic, communicable, infectious disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli usually affecting lungs primarily resulting in pulmonary tuberculosis. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) through the assessment of case detection performance of the patients registered for treatment under RNTCP in tuberculosis units (TUs). Materials and Methods: The present record-based, observational cross-sectional study was carried out under district tuberculosis centre, Satara, involving all the 10 TUs. District tuberculosis centre is located in the campus of District Hospital, Satara. The functioning of RNTCP under district tuberculosis centre at the level of TUs was studied from 2012 to 2014. Fifty slides of sputum smear positive and 50 slides of sputum smear negative for tuberculosis were selected randomly. Results: Tuberculosis suspect rate was found consistently increasing from 2012 to 2014 in majority of TUs except Umbraj TU. Sputum positive rate was also consistently low in Umbraj TU. Sputum positive smear rate was higher in Bel-Air TU consistently from 2012 followed by Satara TU. Annualized new smear-positive case detection rate was higher in Satara and Bel-Air TUs in 2012; however, it was within the range of 68–83% in 2012 which rose to 86.9% in 2013 at Koregaon and 89.5% at Wai TU in 2014. Conclusion: Tuberculosis suspect rate is consistently low at both Umbraj and Bel-Air TU. Sputum smear-positive rate is consistently higher at Satara and Bel-Air TU.

Incidence of adverse drug reactions in patients taking anti-tuberculosis treatment

Background: High incidence of infection has caused a large number of morbidity and mortality which is partly due to serious adverse reactions induced by Anti-Tuberculosis (Anti-TB) drugs. In present prospective study an attempt is made to estimate the incidence and risk factor for ADRs among patients treated for tuberculosis.Methods: All the new patients starting their treatment with selected six DOT center were enrolled in study. All patient's complete clinical history was recorded. They were followed regularly for occurrence of ADR till end of their treatment.Results: Total of 108 patients (67 male and 41 female) had taken and completed their treatment during the study period (March 2007 - April 2008) and were observed for occurrence of ADR during their treatment period. Out of total108, 28 patients (25.9%) experienced one of the ADR, out of 28 patients, 12 (42.85%) patients developed GIT intolerance, and hepatitis was seen in 8 (28.57%) patients, while 4 (14.48%) patients developed skin reactions. Only 3 (7.14%) patient developed dizziness and loss of balance, which was relieved by reduction of dose of streptomycin.Conclusions: With close monitoring and on time action, RNTCP DOTs regimens can be safely and successfully administrated.

Diagnóstico do programa de controle da tuberculose no município de Goiana / Diagnosis of the tuberculosis control program in the city of Goiana

Objetivo: Levando em consideração a magnitude da Tuberculose no mundo, nas Américas, no Brasil e no estado de Pernambuco, este estudo se propõe a verificar o Programa de Controle da Tuberculose no município de Goiana ­ PE, com o intuito de revelar o nível que se encontra as unidades de saúde da família. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de caráter descrito e transversal, sendo estudadas as (23) unidades do município, para os componentes de estrutura e processo por meio da aplicação de um questionário. Para análise dos dados foi utilizado o Programa Microsoft Excel 2010. Resultados: Revelam fragilidades no componente vigilância e mostra unidades classificadas em nível baixo para o componente educação, com mínimo e máximo variando de (0) a (100). Conclusão: Esta classificação constitui importante ferramenta para tomada de decisão tanto pela gestão como pelas equipes de saúde potencializando o processo de trabalho.(AU)

Objective:Taking into account the magnitude of Tuberculosis in the world, in the Americas, in Brazil and in the state of Pernambuco, this study proposes to verify the Program of Control of Tuberculosis in the city of Goiana ­ PE, with the aim of revealing the level of family health units. Methods: It is a study of described character and transversal, being studied the (23) units of the municipality for the components of structure and process by means of the application of a questionnaire. For data analysis, the Microsoft Excel 2010 were used. Results: Reveal weaknesses in the surveillance component and shows units classified at low level for the education component with minimum and maximum ranging from (0) to (100). Conclusion: This classification is an important tool for decision making both by the management and by the health teams, enhancing the work process.(AU)

Tuberculosis: tendencia, pronóstico y factores de riesgo afines en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba (2004-2014) / Tuberculosis: tendency, prognosis and common risk factors in Santiago de Cuba (2004-2014)

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo, con vistas a describir la evolución histórica de la incidencia de la tuberculosis en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba, desde 2004 hasta 2014. El universo quedó constituido por 100,0 % de los casos nuevos notificados por tarjeta de enfermedades de declaración obligatoria. Se mostró una tendencia descendente de esta afección, la cual se mantuvo en zona de éxito; la media histórica predominó en pacientes de 25-44 años, aunque en el 2014 descendió en este grupo. Se evidenciaron cambios importantes en la frecuencia de factores de riesgo, pues disminuyó ostensiblemente el grupo de institución cerrada, ancianos y alcoholismo; solo hubo un incremento del tabaquismo. Para los próximos 2 años se pronosticó un riesgo de enfermar de menos de 2 casos por cada 100 000 habitantes.

A descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study, aimed at describing the historical course of the tuberculosis incidence in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out from 2004 to 2014. The universe was constituted by 100.0% of the new cases notified by compulsory declaration diseases records. A descending tendency of this disorder was shown, which stayed in the success area; the historical mean in patients aged 25 to 44 prevailed, although in 2014 it decreased in this group. Important changes were evidenced in the frequency of risk factors, because the closed institution, elderly and alcoholism groups diminished ostensibly; there was only an increase of nicotine addiction. For the next 2 years there was a risk prediction of getting sick of less than 2 cases for every 100 000 inhabitants.

Aporte de los inmigrantes a la tuberculosis en un Servicio de Salud de Chile / Contribution of immigrants to tuberculosis in a Health Service in Chile

The assessment of Chilean Tuberculosis Control Program shows a growing increase of tuberculosis cases in foreign patients in communes of the city of Santiago with higher incidence of this disease. Through the evaluation of the cases diagnosed in a decade we found an increasing contribution of foreigners, ranging from about 10% in 2005 to 30% in 2014. The greatest proportion of tuberculosis cases in foreigners was detected in Santiago, the commune with the highest incidence. In this area, tuberculosis incidence ranged from 17% in 2005, to 29% in 2015. Treatment efficiency in foreigners (87.6%) is close to our national goal (90%) and better than in Chilean patients (81.5%). We found a higher proportion of foreign cases defaulting therapy (11%) in relation to Chilean (7.7%), but the death rate in foreigners was less than in Chileans (1.5 versus 10.6%). We must strengthen tuberculosis control strategies focused on foreigner populations.

La evaluación del Programa de Control de la Tuberculosis de Chile muestra un creciente aumento de casos de tuberculosis en pacientes extranjeros en las comunas de Santiago de mayor incidencia de esta enfermedad. Mediante la evaluación de los casos diagnosticados durante una década se comprobó un creciente aporte de casos de tuberculosis en el grupo de inmigrantes, desde cerca de 10% el año 2005 hasta cerca de 30% en 2014. La mayor proporción de casos de extranjeros ocurre en la comuna de mayor incidencia (Santiago), con cifras iniciales de 17% el año 2005, llegando a 29% en 2015. La eficacia del tratamiento en los inmigrantes (87,6%) está cerca de la meta nacional (90%) y es mejor que la de los chilenos (81,5%). Encontramos una proporción mayor de casos extranjeros que abandonan la terapia (11%) en relación a los chilenos (7,7%), pero la letalidad en extranjeros es menor (1,5%) que la de los chilenos (10,6%). Se deberán reforzar las estrategias de control de tuberculosis, focalizadas en la población extranjera.

Record based evaluation of revised national tuberculosis control program (in Jamnagar District).

Background and Objectives: Tuberculosis will continue to be a major problem in foreseeable future because there is still large pool of infection in the community. Study is carried out to evaluate the impact of RNTCP and to identify the trend of Tuberculosis in Jamnagar district. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the recorded data from 2005 to 2012 obtained from District Tuberculosis centre, Jamnagar was carried out. The indicators used are: Annualized case notification, three month sputum conversion rate, success rate, mortality etc. Results: Downward trend of case notification rate is observed after 2009 except annualized new smear positive case which was not reached to 70% after 2008. The district had attained consistently satisfactory sputum conversion rates and success rate. Upward trend of failure cases is observed. Defaulter rate among the Retreatment cases was high. Mortality rate is more than 5% among New Smear Positive cases and around 12% among re treatment cases since 2008. Conclusion and Interpretation: there is still some challenges i.e. downward trend of case detection, Very low new smear negative case detection, high mortality, rising trend of failure cases etc. So, there is need of review of all activities and take sincere efforts to combat these challenges.

Uma análise exploratória dos programas de controle da tuberculose da Bahia e Goiás à luz da teoria dos custos de transação / An exploratory analysis of the tuberculosis control program of the states of bahia and goiás from a transaction cost theory perspective

Em caráter exploratório, o objetivo deste artigo é analisar o Programa de Controle da Tuberculose (PCTs) dos Estados da Bahia e Goiás e respectivas capitais, Salvador e Goiânia, a partir da Teoria dos Custos de Transação. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo de caso nos PCTs citados, utilizando-se, junto aos seus gestores, do método de entrevistas aprofundadas semidiretivas. Os resultados sugerem: (a) baixa especificidade em ativos humanos; (b) baixo grau de incerteza - relacionada à flutuação da demanda e à introdução de novas tecnologias (medicamentos); (c) aspectos relacionados à racionalidade limitada (informação incompleta) são pouco relevantes - no que tange à redação do contrato (Programa Nacional de Controle da Tuberculose - PNCT) e ao Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN); (d) e alta probabilidade de ocorrência de comportamento de tipo oportunista (risco moral) - devido ao não monitoramento das ações, à ausência de punições em caso de descumprimento das ações pactuadas no PNCT e ao regime de incentivos vigente.

Characteristics of childhood tuberculosis patients registered under RNTCP in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Childhood tuberculosis (TB) reflects on-going transmission. Data on childhood TB from TB registers under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program of 2008 and 2009 in Varanasi district was analyzed. Proportion of childhood TB was 8.3% of total registered cases 12,242. It was lower than estimated 10-20% in endemic areas. In rural Tuberculosis Units childhood case detection was poor. Case detection in ≤5 years was very less. The childhood cases were detected mainly in adolescent age group. Thus, childhood TB is remaining a under diagnosed/under reported disease in India. It needs attention to increase the detection of childhood TB cases to control TB in general population.

Uma contribuição para a discussão sobre avaliações de programas de controle da tuberculose / A contribution to the discussion on reviews of tuberculosis control programs

Esta Tese tem três partes sobre os Programas de Controle da Tuberculose (PCT)como são praticados no Brasil e suas possibilidades. A primeira parte descreve a biologia da tuberculose (TB) sua epidemiologia, os modelos que explicam seu controle na natureza e sua reprodução na sociedade.Sob a perspectiva da complexidade de Edgard Morin, os elementos mais importantes dos PCT para a reprodução da doença na sociedade são eleitos e relacionado sao contexto onde aparecem. A falta de relação entre os elementos dos PCT e seu contexto são também apontados. A segunda parte descreve dois estudos econômicos sobre a TB. O primeiro compara a eficiência do DOTs contra outras estratégias ao redor do mundo. Diferentes resultados sugerem que o DOTs não deveria ser adotado indiscriminadamente. Mais importante, diferentes regiões do mundo têm diferentes necessidades e meios de lidar como controle da TB. Na África rural sul, por exemplo, é importante te leitos hospitalares para tratar os pacientes, enquanto que no Brasil, isso é restrito a muito poucos casos de Tb multirresistente ou miliar.O segundo é um estudo empírico comparando o custo-efetividade do DOTs com o tratamento auto-administrado, como praticado no Rio de Janeiro para pacientes coinfectados por HIV. O estudo mostra que o DOTs é mais custo-efetivo, na média, como estratégia, embora revele situações reais onde o DOTs é, não apenas menos custo-efetivo, mas as altas taxas de abandono são as responsáveis pelo crescimento exponencial do custo do DOTs. A terceira parte mostra as consequências das estratégias de mero controle biológico da TB que não consideram os aspectos sociais que interferem em importantes parâmetros da epidemiologia e dos Programas de Controle. Os PCT brasileiros seguem diretrizes nacionais que foram atualizadas em 2010 e são baseadas no princípio de que ao se tratar todo doente, a doença será controlada. Assim, as principais melhorias dos PCT brasileiros têm sido o aumento da eficiência terapêutica, como se observa nas sucessivas versões do Plano Nacional de Controle da Tuberculose. Modificações no perfil epidemiológico brasileiro foram favoráveis nos últimos anos, mas a persistência do cenário social torna difícil o controle da TB e facilita a reprodução da doença.A incidência média tem sido estável no Brasil, enquanto as taxas de abandono estão em declínio. Isso não se repete nas taxas de TB multirresistente no Rio de Janeiro que não declinam e mostram uma leve tendência de aumento. Isso não é consistente com o aumento da cobertura do DOTs e não pode ser explicado sem se considerar situações específicas com altas taxas de abandono, densidade populacional, pobreza e acesso limitado aos Serviços de Saúde.

This thesis has three parts regarding Tuberculosis Control Programs (TCP) as it is practiced in Brazil and its possibilities. The first part describes the biology of Tuberculosis, its epidemiology, the models to explain its control in nature and its reproduction in society. Under the Edgar Morin's complexity perspective, the most relevant TCP programmatic elements to disease reproduction in society are elected and related to the context where they appear. Also, lack of relationship between TCP elements and its context is pointed out. The second part describes two studies on TB economics. The first one compares the DOTs’ efficiency to other strategies’ efficiencies around the world. Different results suggest that DOTs shouldn't be unrestricted adopted. Most important, different regions of the world have different needs and ways to deal with TB control. In rural South Africa it is important hospital beds to treat people while in Brazil this is restricted to much fewer cases like multiresistant TB or miliary TB. The second is an empirical study comparing cost-effectiveness of DOTs to conventional treatment strategy (self-administered) as practiced in Rio de Janeiro among TB patients co-infected with HIV. The study shows that DOTs is more cost-effective, on average, as a strategy, but, nevertheless, it points out actual situations where DOTs is not only less cost-effective, it is also exponentially more costly. High abandon rates are responsible for this exponential grow of the cost. The third part shows the consequences of the merely biological TB control strategies not considering social aspects that interfere important parameters of TB epidemiology and Control Programs aspects and indicators. Tuberculosis Control Programs (TCP) in Brazil follow national guidelines that were recently updated in late 2010 and is based on the principle that addressing the disease and, at the bottom line, treating every patient, it'll be properly addressing the problem of tuberculosis (TB). This has been the main improvements to TCP: increasing the drug therapy efficiency, as one can observe through successive versions of the National Plan of Tuberculosis Control. Changes in Brazilian epidemiological profile are lightly favorable in the last years, but that are a persistent social framework making difficult to control TB and facilitating disease reproduction...

Modelo de avaliação do programa de controle da tuberculose / Evaluation model for tuberculosis control program

A implantação é uma das fases do "ciclo de política", correspondendo à execução de atividades para atingir metas predefinidas. Em outra perspectiva, a formulação e implantação de políticas representam um processo, sujeito à influência do contexto e de mecanismos intervenientes. A construção de modelos teóricos permite que a avaliação de políticas e programas ultrapasse a visão dicotômica insumos/resultados e possibilita o esclarecimento das razões do êxito da intervenção em contextos diversos e para diferentes grupos populacionais. A avaliação torna-se um instrumento para constante reformulação de uma política pública, podendo chegar à sua reversão ou substituição. Um estudo de avaliação com base na teoria do programa relaciona os mecanismos que levam à mudança. Um modelo de autoavaliação é proposto como forma de auxiliar o gestor na identificação de problemas, na caracterização de fatores favoráveis a intervenções exitosas e na mensuração dos efeitos. A presente proposta baseou-se em três estudos de avaliação de intervenções para o controle da tuberculose que utilizaram diferentes métodos e múltiplas fontes de evidência. Os principais resultados encontrados foram a falta de autonomia técnico-gerencial, a carência de recursos humanos, financeiros e materiais e a deficiência na integração entre programas para um melhor desenvolvimento das ações de controle.

The implementation process is one of the steps of policy cycle, corresponding to the execution of activities which the purpose is to achieve previously defined targets. It could also be considered that policy's formulation and implementation means a process, subject to context and intervening actions. The building of theoretical models allows the evaluation of policies and programs to go beyond the dichotomist view of input x results and enables to understand the reasons of successful actions in different contexts and population groups. The evaluation process becomes an instrument to continuous reformulation of public policies and possibly leads to their reversal or substitution. An evaluation study based on program's theory shows the mechanisms which lead to changes. A self-evaluation model is proposed as a way to assist the manager in the identification of problems, the characterization of favorable factors to successful interventions and the measurement of effects. The present proposal was based upon three evaluation studies on actions for tuberculosis control which used of different methods and multiple sources of evidence. Main results observed were: lack of technical and managerial autonomy, shortage of both human and financial resources and also a deficient link among the programs ability to achieve the development of actions control.

A Study on the Drug Susceptibility Test of Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Patients / 한국역학회지

Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis is an emerging threat to humans. Despite steady efforts of the national tuberculosis control program, current prevalence of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis rate is increasing in Korea. In Korea, it is effective to both improve the medical transfer system on tuberculosis, and also to make a new tuberculosis patient control system with integrated public-private sector. Improvement focused on the new medical transfer system is a suitable model considering current situation of the Korean medical system. This model can be achieved by replacing the traditional drug susceptibility test method, which requires a long turnaround time, with rapid molecular biological method, and improving the overall process of specimen transport system, report system, and guidelines for tuberculosis, as well. Using such model, doctors can discover multi-drug resistant tuberculosis patients at an earlier stage, prescribe appropriate drugs at the right time, and effectively support directly observed treatment short course strategy. Therefore, this new model for improvement of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis control program, medical transfer system-focused public-private integrated system, can present an effective tool for enhancing and modifying functions of the current national tuberculosis programme in Korea.

Analysis of the TB Control Program with the Indicators for Improving TB Case Finding:A Case from Yemen / 国際保健医療

<b><big>Introduction</big></b><br>As for the available healthcare services, there is a big gap not only between developed and developing countries but also those are not equally available even in a single country. In order to cope with geographical gaps of healthcare services in the Republic of Yemen, the improvement of accessibility to healthcare services is placed as priority of the 5-year plan of health development. However, analysis of health information in developing countries may not be easy because of the weak health statistics mechanism. The data from national TB control program may be considered as a possible way to analyze the geographical gaps and improve the tuberculosis case finding in developing countries.<br><b><big>Methods</big></b><br>The case detection rate of new smear positive tuberculosis patients in districts was calculated by using data from the latest population census in the Republic of Yemen. The calculated case detection rate was statistically analyzed with the factors such as availability of microscopy centre, population and the distance from provincial capital.<br><b><big>Results</big></b><br>The case detection rate of new smear positive tuberculosis patient is significantly different in the districts that have microscopy centre or more than 42,322 populations. The availability of the microscopy centre may be considered as the significant factor for achieving better case finding of new smear positive tuberculosis patients in the districts. Population of the districts where new smear positive tuberculosis patients found has been calculated as 74.1% of the total population. This calculation almost matches the target of the population that may be covered by the public health services according to the 5-year health development plan of the Ministry of Public Health.<br><b><big>Conclusions</big></b><br>The statistically analyzed data may provide a possible way to improve the national TB control program.

Tuberculosis Management of Private Health Care Institution: Current Situation and Task / 결핵

Since the inception of the National Tuberculosis Control Program in 1962, the incidence of tuberculosis and its associated mortality has declined dramatically due to effective anti-tuberculosis drugs and a systematic control program. The prevalence of radiographically active tuberculosis has fallen from 5.1% in 1965 to 1.0 in 1995.However, tuberculosis is still a major problem, as the mortality rate is still higher compared to other developed countries. Furthermore, tuberculosis is currently re-emerging in HIV/AIDS epidemic countries.In order to lower the tuberculosis death rate to the levels of developed countries, the tuberculosis control efforts in private healthcare institutions and the national tuberculosis control program in the public sector, need to work together more effectively adn efficiently.In this paper, the quthor reviewed te current situation regarding tuberculosis management in private healthcare institutions of Korea based on the literature and the National Health Insurance Claim data, and the future tasks of tuberculosis management are suggested.

Tuberculosis Management of Private Health Care Institution: Current Situation and Task / 결핵

Since the inception of the National Tuberculosis Control Program in 1962, the incidence of tuberculosis and its associated mortality has declined dramatically due to effective anti-tuberculosis drugs and a systematic control program. The prevalence of radiographically active tuberculosis has fallen from 5.1% in 1965 to 1.0 in 1995.However, tuberculosis is still a major problem, as the mortality rate is still higher compared to other developed countries. Furthermore, tuberculosis is currently re-emerging in HIV/AIDS epidemic countries.In order to lower the tuberculosis death rate to the levels of developed countries, the tuberculosis control efforts in private healthcare institutions and the national tuberculosis control program in the public sector, need to work together more effectively adn efficiently.In this paper, the quthor reviewed te current situation regarding tuberculosis management in private healthcare institutions of Korea based on the literature and the National Health Insurance Claim data, and the future tasks of tuberculosis management are suggested.

Time series analysis on outcomes of tuberculosis control and prevention program between small areas in Korea : with patient / 결핵

BACKGROUNDS: Today, tuberculosis cannot only be cured medically, but also controlled by public health. Despite the overall worldwide decline in tuberculosis, the disease continues to be a significant problem among developing countries and in the slums of large cities in some industrialized countries. Particularly, this communicable disease has come into the public health spotlight because of its resurgence in the 1990's Our country has been operating the Korean National Tuberculosis Control Program since 1962, focusing around public health centers. Therefore, this study aims to compare the effectiveness of tuberculosis control activities, one of the major public health activities in Korea, by producing indexes, such as the yearly registration rate per 100,000 population and treatment compliance of tuberculosis on in small areas (communities). METHODS: This work was accomplished by constructing a time-series analytic model using data from "1980~2000 : the Yearly Statistical Report" with patient registry data of 234 City. County. District public health centers and by identifying the factors influencing the tuberculosis indexes. RESULTS: The trends of pulmonary tuberculosis positive point prevalence and pulmonary tuberculosis negative point prevalence on X-ray screening have declined steadily, beginning in 1981 and continuing to 1998 by region (city. county. district). Although the tuberculosis mortality rate steadily shows a declining trend by year and region, but Korea still ranks first among 29 OECD countries in 1998, with a tuberculosis mortality rate of 7.1 per 100,000 persons, according to the time-series analysis for fatal diseases. CONCLUSION: The results of the study will form the fundamental basis of future health care planning and the Korean Tuberculosis Surveillance System on 2000. Since the implementation of local autonomy through the Local Health Act of 1995. it has now become vital for each city. county. district public health centers to determine its own priorities for relevant health care management, including budget allocation and program goals.