Factors associated with household contacts' tuberculosis testing and evaluation.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Limited research exists on demographic factors influencing latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) care among household contacts in New York City.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify demographic characteristics associated with TB testing, evaluation, and LTBI treatment completion among household contacts in NYC.
• To inform strategies for improving LTBI management in this population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of NYC TB registry data from 2010-2014.
• Included 3,008 household contacts of TB cases.
• Examined factors: gender, age, country of birth, race/ethnicity, and borough of residence.

Main Results:

• Demographic patterns for household contacts mirrored those of TB cases in NYC.
• Individuals aged 18-44, non-US born, Asian, and Hispanic persons were less likely to be fully evaluated.
• Males, compared to females, were less likely to complete evaluation.
• Older individuals were less likely to undergo TB testing or accept LTBI treatment.

Conclusions:

• Age is a significant predictor of TB testing and LTBI treatment acceptance.
• Public health agencies can use these findings to develop targeted strategies to increase TB testing, evaluation, and LTBI treatment completion among household contacts.