Factors Associated with Delayed Tuberculosis Test-Seeking Behavior among Tuberculosis Patients

Abstract

Background Delay in diagnosis and consequently treatment of tuberculosis can increase infectivity of the disease in the community and also lead disease progression and expose patient to higher risk of mortality, as well as financial consequences. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with patient delay in seeking tuberculosis test in Baucau Municipality, East Timor Method A cross-sectional study was carried out in Baucau Referral Hospital, East Timor between October and November 2016. 234 patients were purposively selected for this study. Data was obtained through a close ended questionnaire administered to the patients and from patients’ files. Descriptive statistics, chi square in SPSS version 21 was employed for the purpose of data analysis. The Binary Logistic Regression then employed to test the strength of correlation between predictors and patient delay. All factors with p-value < 0.05 were considered biologically plausible significant. Results This study revealed that 45.7% of tuberculosis patients had prolonged delay of more than 14 days. Getting informal confirmation from friend

living less than 10 kilometers from health facility and household cohabitant with tuberculosis were associated with patient delay in seeking tuberculosis test. Conclusion There is a considerable delay of tuberculosis patients in seeking healthcare. Strengthening tuberculosis services through public awareness about tuberculosis, providing training to health care providers, as well as collaboration with private sectors to enhance referral system may reduce delay of patients in seeking test.