Definitive diagnostic delay among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Ningbo City
JIANG Xueqi1,2, CHEN Tong2, LIN Xiang2, CHE Yang2, LIN Lü2, SANG Guoxin2, WANG Yinan2, ZHANG Dongliang2
1. School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China; 2. Ningbo Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China
Abstract：Objective To analyze the status of definitive diagnostic delay and its influencing factors among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide the evidence for improving strategies for early detection and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and optimizing the diagnosis and treatment process. Methods Data on pulmonary tuberculosis patients diagnosed in Ningbo City from January 1 to December 31, 2024 were collected from the Tuberculosis Management Information System of the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The collected information included sex, age, occupation, date of first medical visit, date of definitive diagnosis, and whether the institutions of first visit and definitive diagnosis were the same. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with definitive diagnostic delay. Results A total of 2 431 pulmonary tuberculosis patients were included, comprising 1 682 males (69.19%) and 749 females (30.81%). There were 1 060 cases (43.60%) in the 30-<60 years age group. Definitive diagnostic delay occurred in 683 patients, with a delay rate of 28.10%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age (18-<30 years, OR=0.635, 95%CI: 0.466-0.865; ≥60 years, OR=1.340, 95%CI: 1.014-1.772), occupation (cadres and staff, OR=2.208, 95%CI: 1.317-3.701; medical personnel, OR=4.623, 95%CI: 1.054-20.277), and whether the institutions of first visit and definitive diagnosis were the same (no, OR=8.612, 95%CI: 6.710-11.053) were factors associated with definitive diagnostic delay among pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Conclusion Definitive diagnostic delay among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Ningbo City was associated with age, occupation, and whether the institutions of first visit and definitive diagnosis were the same.
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