Default during TB diagnosis: quantifying the problem.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify default during diagnosis in TB suspects and in smear-positive cases; to investigate sex differences in default during diagnosis, in all of Pakistan.


METHODS
Data from laboratory registers were collected on 12 216 suspects in nine districts over the period July-September 2008.


RESULTS
A total of 1573 TB suspects (12.9%, 95% CI = 12.3-13.5) dropped out of the diagnostic process after initial sputum submission. A total of 2058 smear-positive cases were detected, and of these 107 (5.2%, 95% CI = 4.2-6.2) defaulted during diagnosis and therefore could not be started on treatment. Male suspects defaulted slightly more frequently than female suspects (P = 0.0268).


CONCLUSIONS
Default during diagnosis is a frequent occurrence in Pakistan that should be monitored and addressed by TB control programs.
Khan
Mishal S
MS
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK. mishalk@cantab.net
Khan
Shoaib
S
Godfrey-Faussett
Peter
P
D023801:Directly Observed Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009313:National Health Programs; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013183:Sputum / Q000378:metabolism; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis*