Health-seeking behaviour and patient-related factors associated with the time to TB treatment initiation in four African countries: a cross-sectional survey
Sathar F, Charalambous S, Velen K, Fielding K, Rachow A, Ivanova O, Rassool M, Lalashowi J, Owolabi O, Nhassengo P, Chihota V, Evans D. Health-seeking behaviour and patient-related factors associated with the time to TB treatment initiation in four African countries: a cross-sectional survey. BMJ Public Health 2024, 2: e001002. DOI: 10.1136/bmjph-2024-001002.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchTB treatment initiationCross-sectional surveyTB symptomsPrimary care facilitiesTreatment initiationMedian total delayHealth-seeking behaviorNational TB Control ProgrammeTB treatmentCohort of adultsTB control programmesActive case findingPatient-related factorsHealth facilitiesTB servicesHIV prevalenceCare facilitiesDrug-susceptible pulmonary TBTotal delaySecond-leading causeTime to treatment initiationCase findingCox regression modelsStructured questionnaireInitiation of treatment