title: Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of tuberculosis cases hospitalised in the intensive phase in Fiji.
abstract: METHODS
  Tuberculosis (TB) is an ongoing public health challenge in Fiji. Clinical case detection and management are critical for effective TB control. Most TB cases in Fiji are hospitalised for the intensive phase of treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics, comorbidities and final treatment outcomes of TB patients hospitalised for the intensive phase of treatment in Fiji.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective, descriptive study of all TB cases hospitalised during the intensive phase over a 3-year period (2010-2012).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 395 TB hospitalised cases were included, of whom 61% were sputum smear-positive. The largest proportions of cases were among young adults (15-34 years) and the unemployed, respectively 43% and 71%. Diabetes (13%) and smoking (22%) were common comorbidities. Final anti-tuberculosis treatment outcomes were available for 96% of cases; 81% were cured or completed treatment. Default was more common in those with current employment. Death was the final treatment outcome in 4%, and was more common (11%) in the oldest group aged 355 years (OR 5.7, 95%CI 1.9-17).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides original and comprehensive descriptive data on TB cases in Fiji and identifies characteristics associated with poor treatment outcomes.
authors.affiliation: National Tuberculosis Program, Ministry of Health, Suva, Fiji.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alo
authors.affiliation: National Tuberculosis Program, Ministry of Health, Suva, Fiji.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gounder
authors.affiliation: Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne and Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ; International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Graham
keywords: Fiji; comorbidities; diabetes; treatment outcomes; tuberculosis