International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
Volume 9, Issue 1, 2005, Pages 37-42

Cohort analysis of asylum seekers in Oslo, Norway, 1987-1995: Effectiveness of screening at entry and TB incidence in subsequent years (Article)

Johnsen N.L.* , Steen T.W. , Meyer H. , Heldal E. , Skarpaas I.J.K. , June G.B.
  • a Frogner Health Centre, Oslo, Norway, Frogner Health Centre, Fr Stangs gt 11/13, Oslo 0264, Norway
  • b Public Health Authority, Oslo, Norway
  • c Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
  • d Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
  • e Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
  • f Department of International Health, Oslo, Norway

Abstract

SETTING: Municipalities of Baerum and Oslo, Norway. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effectiveness of tuberculosis (TB) screening in asylum seekers 1987-1995, and to describe TB incidence rates after arrival. DESIGN: Register-based, retrospective cohort study of 19912 asylum seekers with a mean follow-up of 6.3 years. RESULTS: Seventy-six persons were diagnosed with TB, of whom 43 (57%) had pulmonary TB. Twenty-two cases (17 pulmonary) were found through screening at entry. Eleven persons had abnormal mass miniature X-rays (MMRs), but had inadequate follow-up and were diagnosed later through passive case finding. MMR itself had a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 98% for pulmonary TB, diagnosed within 1 year after arrival. TB prevalence at entry was 110/100 000; for Somalis it was 577/100 000. Incidence rates were stable in the total cohort after arrival, whereas rates for extra-pulmonary TB in Somalis increased. CONCLUSIONS: Screening on entry should continue, but follow-up of abnormal MMRs must be improved. There should be more emphasis on treatment of latent infection.

Author Keywords

Screening MMR Effectiveness Asylum seekers tuberculosis

Index Keywords

immigrant mass screening Norway register human Refugees Cohort Studies diagnostic accuracy priority journal latent period screening Humans male Tuberculosis, Pulmonary female tuberculosis mass radiography prevalence Incidence sensitivity and specificity Article Retrospective Studies major clinical study adult cohort analysis case finding Radiography, Thoracic
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-11844252615&partnerID=40&md5=c0e76d61be18034a87d5fae079f0d829
ISSN: 10273719
Cited by: 24
Original Language: English