Does distance to healthcare facility affect care-seeking for TB-related symptoms in Tanzania?

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In high TB burden countries, delayed diagnosis remains a big challenge in TB control. The objective of this study is to assess the role of distance between residence and healthcare facility (HCF) on care-seeking among individuals with symptoms associated with pulmonary TB in Tanzania.METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, using data from a national TB survey, coordinates of 300 (residential) sites within 62 clusters were obtained through Google searches and average distances to HCF were calculated per cluster. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted, with care-seeking behaviour being the primary outcome variable.RESULTS: Distance from residence to HCF had no effect on care-seeking behaviour of individuals with TB-related symptoms in this study (OR 1.00, 95% CI 1.00-1.00). Over 85% of HCFs where care has been sought lack TB diagnostic capacity, mostly comprising dispensaries with staff less educated in TB-related symptoms.CONCLUSION: Care-seeking behaviour among individuals with TB-related symptoms in Tanzania was not found to be associated with distance to HCF. First-line diagnostics should be improved 1) by equipping local dispensaries with basic TB diagnostic capacity, and 2) by educating staff of local dispensaries more thoroughly about basic TB symptoms and the importance of swift referrals.