Predictors of delayed care seeking for tuberculosis in southern India: an observational study

Reducing delay to accessing care is necessary to reduce the Tuberculosis (TB) burden in high incidence countries such as India. This study aimed to identify factors associated with delays in seeking care for TB in Southern India.

We analyzed data from newly diagnosed, smear-positive, culture-confirmed, pulmonary TB patients in the Regional Prospective Observational Research for TB (RePORT) cohort in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu, India. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, symptom duration, and TB knowledge, among other factors. Delay was defined as cough ≥4 weeks before treatment initiation. Risky alcohol use was defined by the AUDIT-C score which incorporates information about regular alcohol use and binge drinking. TB knowledge was assessed by knowing transmission mode or potential curability.

Of 501 TB patients, 369 (73.7%) subjects delayed seeking care. In multivariable analysis, risky alcohol use was significantly associated with delay (aOR 2.20, 95% CI: 1.31, 3.68). Delay was less likely in lower versus higher income groups (<3000 versus >10,000 rupees/month, aOR 0.31, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.78). TB knowledge was not significantly associated with delay.

Local TB programs should consider that risky alcohol users may delay seeking care for TB. Further studies will be needed to determine why patients with higher income delay in seeking care.