The public health management of tuberculosis among the single homeless: is mass miniature x ray screening effective?
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to test the assumption that mass miniature x ray screening of the single homeless (hostel residents) is a cost-effective means of controlling pulmonary tuberculosis.


METHODS
The study was a prospective experimental screening exercise to identify new cases of active tuberculosis completing treatment.


METHODS
The setting was eight hostels in south London. A mobile x ray screening facility was set up outside the hostels.


METHODS
Subjects were 547 single homeless residents in the hostels. They were encouraged to attend for chest x ray, and for active follow up of abnormal x rays.


RESULTS
No new cases of active tuberculosis were found.


CONCLUSIONS
Mass miniature x ray is ineffective in controlling tuberculosis because of its unacceptability and increasing inaccessibility to this population.
Stevens
A
A
Lewisham and North Southwark Health Authority, London, United Kingdom.
Bickler
G
G
Jarrett
L
L
Bateman
N
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000592:standards*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D012847:Single Person; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control*