ABSTRACT
Drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) infection represents a serious and growing problem. For patients infected or suspected of being infected with multidrug or extensively drug-resistant TB, several medications have to be given simultaneously for prolonged periods. Here, we review the literature on treatment and monitoring of adverse effects of pediatric drug-resistant TB therapy in a high resource, low TB burden setting.
Subject(s)
Antitubercular Agents/therapeutic use , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/drug effects , Pediatrics/methods , Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant/diagnosis , Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant/drug therapy , Adolescent , Antitubercular Agents/pharmacology , Child , Child, Preschool , Drug Therapy, Combination/methods , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
The health care services and sociodemographic profiles of Chinese women residing in each of five neighborhoods of Vancouver and Richmond, British Columbia, were examined and compared to Pap testing rates. Information was collected from the provincial medical directory, the cervical cancer screening program, and a community-based survey. A total of 159 Chinese primary care physicians, 3 Chinese gynecologists, and 9 health clinics were identified within these neighborhoods and 769 Chinese women responded to the survey. Significant differences were found between neighborhoods in Pap testing rates, with Chinatown having the lowest rates. Differences between neighborhoods were also found in the availability of Chinese language health care services, sociodemographic profiles of the Chinese population, individual preferences and experiences with health care services, which were also related to Pap testing rates. The implications of these findings upon the planning of effective health care services within local neighborhoods are discussed.
