title: Multi-level barriers to LTBI treatment: a research note.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037-0811, USA. lhillbaird@aol.com
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Blumberg
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sipan
authors.forename: Katharine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schmitz
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: West
authors.forename: Norma
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kelley
authors.forename: Melbourne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hovell
mesh_terms: 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