Multi-level barriers to LTBI treatment: a research note.
BACKGROUND
This study describes the barriers to effective and timely LTBI treatment encountered in a research study on INH adherence in Latino adolescents.


METHODS
Participant study logs were reviewed, results of continuing medical education pretests for medical providers were examined, and participating medical facilities were contacted in order to construct a profile of multi-level barriers to LTBI treatment.


RESULTS
A total of 285 TST positive Latino (96%) high school students were recruited into the trial. We encountered a lack of understanding of the gravity of tuberculosis infection among both the public and providers of health care. Parents and adolescents cited competing priorities, transportation problems and financial constraints as reasons for non-compliance.


CONCLUSIONS
Improved education of the public and physicians is needed regarding the gravity of the disease and the value of treatment, as well as public and financial support for LTBI treatment by both the government and the medical community.
Hill
Linda
L
Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037-0811, USA. lhillbaird@aol.com
Blumberg
Elaine
E
Sipan
Carol
C
Schmitz
Katharine
K
West
Joshua
J
Kelley
Norma
N
Hovell
Melbourne
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002140:California; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D055985:Latent Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires