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Saleem UA, Karimi AS, Ehsan H. A Systematic Review on Pulmonary TB Burden and Associated Factors Among Immigrants in the UK. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:7835-7853. [PMID: 38162319 PMCID: PMC10757787 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s441536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The rapid growth of international human migration has positioned the UK in the top five countries in the world with 9.4 million immigrants in 2022. These immigrants originate from low- and middle-income countries and remain particularly at risk of developing TB. In the UK, the number of TB cases has been increasing, and the influx of immigrants could be a contributing factor. Objective This review aims to map the burden of pulmonary TB among immigrants in the UK and investigate associated factors. It also reviews the TB management approaches among immigrants in the UK. Design The study utilized PRISMA guidelines to search electronic databases (PubMed and EMBASE) for articles published from 2000 to 2022 on TB prevalence and factors in immigrants and explored government websites for TB management strategies. Results Nineteen out of 530 initially identified articles were included. The included studies reported a prevalence rate of TB among immigrants ranging from 0.04 to 52.1%, showing a decrease in the burden over time. Additionally, a higher number of TB cases were observed among immigrants from the Asian region, particularly immigrants from South Asia, followed by those from sub-Saharan Africa. Stigma, misconception about the disease, language barrier, lack of confidentiality, and unfriendly healthcare system for immigrants were the main drivers of the TB burden among immigrants. The TB management approaches in the UK include pre-entry screening for active TB, LTBI testing for a specific population group, and antibacterial therapy for 3-6 months for TB patients. Conclusion The UK's control and prevention efforts in reducing tuberculosis prevalence among immigrants show optimism, but challenges persist. Key improvements include healthcare delivery, TB improvement programs, and policies addressing stigma and patient confidentiality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzair Ahmad Saleem
- Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ali Sina Karimi
- Medical Sciences Research Center, Ghalib University, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Hedayatullah Ehsan
- Medical Sciences Research Center, Ghalib University, Kabul, Afghanistan
- Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan
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Eisen S, Williams B, Cohen J. Infections in Asymptomatic Unaccompanied Asylum-seeking Children in London 2016-2022. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2023; 42:1051-1055. [PMID: 37725799 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000004087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are at increased risk of infections and experience barriers to healthcare access. There is a lack of evidence to underpin existing national and international guidance regarding asymptomatic infection screening in this population. We describe the results from routine infection screening of 1104 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children attending for testing at 3 London centers. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of routinely collected data from all unaccompanied asylum-seeking children seen in 3 services in London, United Kingdom, between 2016 and 2022. RESULTS A total of 1104 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children attended clinic; all accepted screening. The median age was 16 years (range 11-18 years) and 987 (89%) were male. 407 (37%) had at least 1 infection; 116 (11%) had multiple infections. Tuberculosis infection and schistosomiasis were common (found in 18% and 17%, respectively). Hepatitis B infection was identified with a prevalence of 3.9%. Giardia 7.7%, tapeworm 3.3% and Strongyloides 2.8% were also commonly identified. CONCLUSIONS We report the largest known dataset to our knowledge of infection screening in asymptomatic unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in Europe to date. This data supports recommendations for routine asymptomatic screening in this high-risk cohort, based on the significant prevalence identified of infections of both personal and public health significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Eisen
- From the Department of Paediatrics, UCLH Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bhanu Williams
- Department of Paediatrics, Northwick Park NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Cohen
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Cinardo P, Farrant O, Gunn K, Ward A, Eisen S, Longley N. Screening for neglected tropical diseases and other infections in refugee and asylum-seeker populations in the United Kingdom. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2022; 9:20499361221116680. [PMID: 35958977 PMCID: PMC9358592 DOI: 10.1177/20499361221116680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Asylum-seekers and refugees have an increased burden of infections compared with the general population. This has been widely recognised by countries welcoming those fleeing conflict and persecution; however, there are no screening standardised guidelines and regulatory processes. Identification of certain neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and other infections is important for the health and well-being of the individual in addition to public health and biosecurity. In the United Kingdom, screening for infections at port of entry or after arrival is not mandatory. Those on refugee resettlement programmes will have infection screening as part of their pre-entry health assessment, but no such system exists for those claiming asylum in the United Kingdom. In this article, we have reviewed published, peer-reviewed articles looking at the approaches to screening for NTDs and infectious diseases in the United Kingdom. In addition to this, we have reviewed the literature looking at the acceptability, barriers and facilitators of these screening practices. We found that there is a heterogeneous approach to screening practices in the United Kingdom and a paucity of data to support a single ‘best practice’ approach. Based on our findings, we have made recommendations and consideration for NTD screening strategies and highlighted important areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Cinardo
- Clinical Research Fellow, Acute Medicine, University College Hospital, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU, London, UK
| | - Olivia Farrant
- Infectious Diseases, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, UK; Acute Medicine, University College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Kimberlee Gunn
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Allison Ward
- Children's & Adolescent Services, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sarah Eisen
- Children and Young People's Services, University College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nicky Longley
- Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, UK
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Houston AR, Lynch K, Ostrach B, Isaacs YS, Nvé Díaz San Francisco C, Lee JM, Emard N, Proctor DA. United States immigration detention amplifies disease interaction risk: A model for a transnational ICE-TB-DM2 syndemic. Glob Public Health 2021; 17:1152-1171. [PMID: 33945403 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1919737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Detention and removal of unauthorised immigrants by United States (U.S.) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has steadily increased despite declining rates of unauthorised migration. ICE detainees are held in overcrowded detention centres, often without due process and deprived of adequate food, sanitation, and medical care. Conditions of ICE detention contribute to malnutrition and increase the likelihood of infectious disease exposure, including tuberculosis (TB). TB infection interacts with Type 2 Diabetes (DM2), disproportionately affecting individuals who are routinely targeted by federal immigration practices. When two diseases interact and exacerbate one another within a larger structural context, thereby amplifying multiple disease interactions, this is called a syndemic. In this paper, we examine malnutrition in ICE detention as a pathway of bidirectional risks for and interactions between TB and DM2 among ICE detainees. Drawing from literature on detention conditions, TB, and DM2 rates along the U.S.-Mexico border, we propose an ICE-TB-DM2 syndemic model. We present a map displaying our proposed syndemic model to demonstrate the spatial application of syndemic theory in the context of ICE detention, strengthening the growing scholarship on syndemics of incarceration and removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R Houston
- Department of Medical Anthropology and Cross-Cultural Practice, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Kathleen Lynch
- Department of Medical Anthropology and Cross-Cultural Practice, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Bayla Ostrach
- Department of Medical Anthropology and Cross-Cultural Practice, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Yoshua Seidner Isaacs
- Department of Medical Anthropology and Cross-Cultural Practice, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | | | - Jae Moo Lee
- Department of Medical Anthropology and Cross-Cultural Practice, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Nicholas Emard
- Department of Medical Anthropology and Cross-Cultural Practice, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Dylan Atchley Proctor
- Department of Medical Anthropology and Cross-Cultural Practice, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
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Proença R, Mattos Souza F, Lisboa Bastos M, Caetano R, Braga JU, Faerstein E, Trajman A. Active and latent tuberculosis in refugees and asylum seekers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:838. [PMID: 32493327 PMCID: PMC7268459 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08907-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2018, there were 70.8 million refugees, asylum seekers and persons displaced by wars and conflicts worldwide. Many of these individuals face a high risk for tuberculosis in their country of origin, which may be accentuated by adverse conditions endured during their journey. We summarised the prevalence of active and latent tuberculosis infection in refugees and asylum seekers through a systematic literature review and meta-analyses by country of origin and host continent. Methods Articles published in Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science and LILACS from January 2000 to August 2017 were searched for, without language restriction. Two independent authors performed the study selection, data extraction and quality assessment. Random effect models were used to estimate average measures of active and latent tuberculosis prevalence. Sub-group meta-analyses were performed according to country of origin and host continent. Results Sixty-seven out of 767 identified articles were included, of which 16 entered the meta-analyses. Average prevalence of active and latent tuberculosis was 1331 per 100 thousand inhabitants [95% confidence interval (CI) = 542–2384] and 37% (95% CI = 23–52%), respectively, both with high level of heterogeneity (variation in estimative attributable to heterogeneity [I2] = 98.2 and 99.8%). Prevalence varied more according to countries of origin than host continent. Ninety-one per cent of studies reported routine screening of recently arrived immigrants in the host country; two-thirds confirmed tuberculosis bacteriologically. Many studies failed to provide relevant information. Conclusion Tuberculosis is a major health problem among refugees and asylum seekers and should be given special attention in any host continent. To protect this vulnerable population, ensuring access to healthcare for early detection for prevention and treatment of the disease is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Proença
- State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - José Ueleres Braga
- State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Anete Trajman
- State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada. .,Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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How effective are approaches to migrant screening for infectious diseases in Europe? A systematic review. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2018; 18:e259-e271. [PMID: 29778396 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(18)30117-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Rates of migration to Europe, and within Europe, have increased in recent years, with considerable implications for health systems. Migrants in Europe face a disproportionate burden of tuberculosis, HIV, and hepatitis B and C, yet experience a large number of barriers to accessing statutory health care on arrival. A better understanding of how to deliver effective and cost-effective screening, vaccination, and health services to this group is now crucial. We did a systematic review to document and assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of approaches used for infectious diseases screening, and to explore facilitators and barriers experienced by migrants to accessing screening programmes. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched Embase, PubMed, PsychINFO, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science (1989 to July 1, 2015, updated on Jan 1, 2018), with no language restrictions, and systematically approached experts across the European Union (EU) for grey literature. Inclusion criteria were primary research studies assessing screening interventions for any infectious disease in the migrant (foreign-born) population residing in EU or European Economic Area (EEA) countries. Primary outcomes were the following effectiveness indicators: uptake of screening, coverage, infections detected, and treatment outcomes. Of 4112 unique records, 47 studies met our inclusion criteria, from ten European countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK) encompassing 248 402 migrants. We found that most European countries screening migrants focus on single diseases only-predominantly active or latent tuberculosis infection-and specifically target asylum seekers and refugees, with 22 studies reporting on other infections (including HIV and hepatitis B and C). An infection was detected in 3·74% (range 0·00-95·16) of migrants. Latent tuberculosis had the highest prevalence across all infections (median 15·02% [0·35-31·81]). Uptake of screening by migrants was high (median 79·50% [18·62-100·00]), particularly in primary health-care settings (uptake 96·77% [76·00-100·00]). However, in 24·62% (0·12-78·99) of migrants screening was not completed and a final diagnosis was not made. Pooled data highlight high treatment completion in migrants (83·79%, range 0·00-100·00), yet data were highly heterogeneous for this outcome, masking important disparities between studies and infections, with only 54·45% (35·71-72·27) of migrants with latent tuberculosis ultimately completing treatment after screening. Coverage of the migrant population in Europe is low (39·29% [14·53-92·50]). Data on cost-effectiveness were scarce, but suggest moderate to high cost-effectiveness of migrant screening programmes depending on migrant group and disease targeted. European countries have adopted a variety of approaches to screening migrants for infections; however, these are limited in scope to single diseases and a narrow subset of migrants, with low coverage. More emphasis must be placed on developing innovative and sustainable strategies to facilitate screening and treatment completion and improve health outcomes, encompassing multiple key infections with consideration given to a wider group of high-risk migrants. Policy makers and researchers involved with global migration need to ensure a longer-term view on improving health outcomes in migrant populations as they integrate into health systems in host countries.
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Crepet A, Repetto E, Al Rousan A, Sané Schepisi M, Girardi E, Prestileo T, Codecasa L, Garelli S, Corrao S, Ippolito G, Decroo T, Maccagno B. Lessons learnt from TB screening in closed immigration centres in Italy. Int Health 2016; 8:324-9. [PMID: 27208040 PMCID: PMC5039819 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihw025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Between June 2012 and December 2013 Médecins Sans Frontières launched a pilot project with the aim of testing a strategy for improving timely diagnosis of active pulmonary TB among migrants hosted in four centres of identification and expulsion (CIE) in Italy. Methods This is a descriptive study. For active TB case finding we used an active symptom screening approach among migrants at admission in four CIE's. Here we describe the feasibility and the yield of this programme. Results Overall, 3588 migrants were screened, among whom 87 (2.4%) had a positive questionnaire. Out of 30 migrants referred for further investigations, three were diagnosed as having TB, or 0.1% out of 3588 individuals that underwent screening. Twenty-five (29%, 25/87) migrants with positive questionnaires were not referred for further investigation, following the doctors' decision; however, for 32 (37%, 32/87) migrants the diagnostic work-out was not completed. In multivariate analyses, being over 35 years (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1–2.6) and being transgender (OR 4.9; 95% CI 2.1–11.7), was associated with a positive questionnaire. Conclusions TB screening with symptom screening questionnaires of migrants at admission in closed centres is feasible. However, to improve the yield, follow-up of patients with symptoms or signs suggestive for TB needs to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Crepet
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Operational Centre Brussels, Italian Mission
| | - Ernestina Repetto
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Operational Centre Brussels, Italian Mission
| | - Ahmad Al Rousan
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Operational Centre Brussels, Italian Mission
| | - Monica Sané Schepisi
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani", IRCCS Rom, Italy
| | - Enrico Girardi
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani", IRCCS Rom, Italy
| | - Tullio Prestileo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ARNAS, Ospedale Civico-Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Codecasa
- Villa Marelli Institute, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital- Milan-Italy
| | - Silvia Garelli
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Operational Centre Brussels, Italian Mission
| | - Salvatore Corrao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ARNAS, Ospedale Civico-Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy Centre of Research for Effectiveness and Appropriateness in Medicine, Palermo, Italy Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Subspecialties, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ippolito
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani", IRCCS Rom, Italy
| | - Tom Decroo
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Operational Centre Brussels, Operational Research Unit
| | - Barbara Maccagno
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Operational Centre Brussels, Italian Mission
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Describing the burden of infectious diseases among a population of detainees in an immigration removal centre (IRC) in the United Kingdom: a descriptive epidemiological approach. J Immigr Minor Health 2014; 15:764-70. [PMID: 22729287 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-012-9636-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to describe the burden of infectious disease within one immigration removal centre (IRC) in southern England using available data. We conducted a review of existing databases used to record cases of infectious disease and extracted health information from a random sample of 50 % of detainee medical notes. We found that there was poor correlation between routine databases and that no systematic infectious disease screening is undertaken within the IRC. However, infectious diseases were an important public health issue in the IRC: 2 % of detainees were recorded as being hepatitis B virus positive, 1 % were HIV positive, and 3 % had a diagnosis of Tuberculosis. This study's quantification of the burden of infectious diseases relies upon self-disclosure and therefore underestimates true prevalence. Consideration should be given to screening for infectious diseases in the IRC. Where disease is identified, systems for case-tracking are poorly aligned between services.
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Harstad I, Jacobsen GW, Heldal E, Winje BA, Vahedi S, Helvik AS, Steinshamn SL, Garåsen H. The role of entry screening in case finding of tuberculosis among asylum seekers in Norway. BMC Public Health 2010; 10:670. [PMID: 21050453 PMCID: PMC2991295 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-10-670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most new cases of active tuberculosis in Norway are presently caused by imported strains and not transmission within the country. Screening for tuberculosis with a Mantoux test of everybody and a chest X-ray of those above 15 years of age is compulsory on arrival for asylum seekers. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of entry screening of a cohort of asylum seekers. Cases detected by screening were compared with cases detected later. Further we have characterized cases with active tuberculosis. Methods All asylum seekers who arrived at the National Reception Centre between January 2005 - June 2006 with an abnormal chest X-ray or a Mantoux test ≥ 6 mm were included in the study and followed through the health care system. They were matched with the National Tuberculosis Register by the end of May 2008. Cases reported within two months after arrival were defined as being detected by screening. Results Of 4643 eligible asylum seekers, 2237 were included in the study. Altogether 2077 persons had a Mantoux ≥ 6 mm and 314 had an abnormal chest X-ray. Of 28 cases with tuberculosis, 15 were detected by screening, and 13 at 4-27 months after arrival. Abnormal X-rays on arrival were more prevalent among those detected by screening. Female gender and Somalian origin increased the risk for active TB. Conclusion In spite of an imperfect follow-up of screening results, a reasonable number of TB cases was identified by the programme, with a predominance of pulmonary TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingunn Harstad
- Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, MTFS, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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Harstad I, Heldal E, Steinshamn SL, Garåsen H, Jacobsen GW. Tuberculosis screening and follow-up of asylum seekers in Norway: a cohort study. BMC Public Health 2009; 9:141. [PMID: 19442260 PMCID: PMC2689201 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-9-141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2008] [Accepted: 05/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background About 80% of new tuberculosis cases in Norway occur among immigrants from high incidence countries. On arrival to the country all asylum seekers are screened with Mantoux test and chest x-ray aimed to identify cases of active tuberculosis and, in the case of latent tuberculosis, to offer follow-up or prophylactic treatment. We assessed a national programme for screening, treatment and follow-up of tuberculosis infection and disease in a cohort of asylum seekers. Methods Asylum seekers ≥ 18 years who arrived at the National Reception Centre from January 2005 to June 2006, were included as the total cohort. Those with a Mantoux test ≥ 6 mm or positive x-ray findings were included in a study group for follow-up. Data were collected from public health authorities in the municipality to where the asylum seekers had moved, and from hospital based internists in case they had been referred to specialist care. Individual subjects included in the study group were matched with the Norwegian National Tuberculosis Register which receive reports of everybody diagnosed with active tuberculosis, or who had started treatment for latent tuberculosis. Results The total cohort included 4643 adult asylum seekers and 97.5% had a valid Mantoux test. At least one inclusion criterion was fulfilled by 2237 persons. By end 2007 municipal public health authorities had assessed 758 (34%) of them. Altogether 328 persons had been seen by an internist. Of 314 individuals with positive x-rays, 194 (62%) had seen an internist, while 86 of 568 with Mantoux ≥ 15, but negative x-rays (16%) were also seen by an internist. By December 31st 2006, 23 patients were diagnosed with tuberculosis (prevalence 1028/100 000) and another 11 were treated for latent infection. Conclusion The coverage of screening was satisfactory, but fewer subjects than could have been expected from the national guidelines were followed up in the community and referred to an internist. To improve follow-up of screening results, a simplification of organisation and guidelines, introduction of quality assurance systems, and better coordination between authorities and between different levels of health care are all required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingunn Harstad
- Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
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Sim F, Mackie P. Poverty and human development—The Science Editors’ global initiative. Public Health 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2007.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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