Are health undertakings effective in the follow-up of migrants for tuberculosis?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the rate of compliance of migrants issued with a health undertaking for tuberculosis requiring them to report within one month after arrival in Australia.


METHODS
Compliance was monitored prospectively between 1 November 1992 and 31 October 1993.


METHODS
The Australian Government Health Service in Melbourne.


METHODS
1660 migrants with a health undertaking for tuberculosis.


METHODS
Compliance with the undertaking (making initial contact and presenting for examination).


RESULTS
The overall compliance rate was 58%, but 89% of those who made contact complied with their undertakings. There were significant differences in the compliance rates according to country of application (P < 0.001). It was estimated that about 150 people a year who require treatment for tuberculosis could be failing to comply with a health undertaking, eight of whom may require a full course of antituberculous chemotherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
The administration of the current system of health undertakings for tuberculosis for migrants needs to be strengthened to increase compliance.
D001315:Australia; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011634:Public Health; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000517:prevention & control*