Results of the Republic of Korea's 2023-2024 Tuberculosis Screening Project for Homeless Individuals and Jjokbang...

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has conducted a mobile tuberculosis (TB) screening program for vulnerable populations since 2020. This operation includes homeless individuals with limited access to healthcare and who are living on streets, in facilities, or in jjokbang areas. This study analyzes the program's outcomes and provides recommendations for future implementation.

Participants were screened at their residences to increase accessibility. The screening procedure includes a prescreening questionnaire, chest X-ray, and sputum testing. Individuals with TB-related symptoms or abnormal chest X-ray findings must undergo sputum testing. This study used the chi-square test with statistical significance set at 0.05 to analyze differences in TB detection rates across participant characteristics.

A total of 31,596 individuals were screened between 2023 and 2024, and 36 TB cases were identified (113.9 per 100,000 screenings). Male sex (p=0.012), poor housing conditions (p=0.001), medically vulnerable status (p=0.030), TB-related symptoms (p=0.020), a history of TB (p=0.001), and abnormal chest X-ray findings (p≤0.001) were significantly associated with TB detection in 2023. Poor housing conditions (p=0.009) and abnormal chest X-ray findings (p≤0.001) remained significant in 2024. Approximately 75.0% of the detected cases were classified as inactive TB on chest X-ray, and most individuals were asymptomatic or had displayed mild symptoms.

The mobile TB screening program facilitates early detection by identifying cases that may not be discernible through symptom-based screening alone. Strengthening mobile screening and periodic follow-up for vulnerable populations may further improve early detection and treatment outcomes.