Abstract:
Background: Delay in treatment is also likely to be associated with a greater number of secondary cases per index
case.
Objective: to assess the length of patient and health system delays; and identify factors influencing these delays
among pulmonary tuberculosis patients.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 13 selected government health facilities that provide both
diagnostic and treatment services using Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) program. Data were
collected from pulmonary TB patients aged 15 years and above during their intensive phase of DOTS treatment using
a semi-structured questionnaire.
Results: The median total delay was 90 days; with 28 days patient delay and 42 days health system delay. A large
proportion (63%) of the overall total delay was contributed by health system delay. Patients from urban areas were
46% more likely to present to health care providers than patients from rural areas, adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) of 1.46
(95% CI: 1.10 - 1.95). Patients from urban areas were 54% more likely to be diagnosed and start treatment earlier than
patients from rural areas, AHR of 1.54 (95% CI: 1.15-2.07). Female patients were more delayed to present to health
providers than their male counterparts with AHR of 0.63 (95%CI: 0.47–0.84) but had shorter health system delay than
male patients with AHR of 1.51 (95% CI: 1.1-22.04).
Conclusion: A greater proportion of the overall total delay was contributed by health system delay. The health system
should be more accessible for the unmet need. New approaches to make health services more accessible to those in
greatest need (rural and women) should be designed and developed. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev.2007;21(2):148-156]
