American Journal of Public Health
Volume 104, Issue 4, 2014, Pages e95-e102

Prevalence and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection among newly arrived refugees in san diego county, january 2010-october 2012 (Article)

Bennett R.J. , Brodine S. , Waalen J. , Moser K. , Rodwell T.C.*
  • a Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, United States
  • b Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, United States
  • c Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, United States
  • d Tuberculosis Control and Refugee Health Branch, San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, San Diego, United States
  • e Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, United States, Department of Medicine, Division of Global Public Health, University of California, 10111 North Torrey Pines Road, San Diego, CA 92093-0507, United States

Abstract

Objectives. We determined the prevalence and treatment rates of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in newly arrived refugees in San Diego County, California, and assessed demographic and clinical characteristics associated with these outcomes. Methods. We analyzed data from LTBI screening results of 4280 refugees resettled in San Diego County between January 2010 and October 2012. Using multivariate logistic regression, we calculated the associations between demographic and clinical risk factors and the outcomes of LTBI diagnosis and LTBI treatment initiation. Results. The prevalence of LTBI was highest among refugees from sub- Saharan Africa (43%) and was associated with current smoking and having a clinical comorbidity that increases the risk for active tuberculosis. Although refugees from sub-Saharan Africa had the highest prevalence of infection, they were significantly less likely to initiate treatment than refugees from the Middle East. Refugees with postsecondary education were significantly more likely to initiate LTBI treatment. Conclusions. Public health strategies are needed to increase treatment rates among high-risk refugees with LTBI. Particular attention is required among refugees from sub-Saharan Africa and those with less education.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Africa south of the Sahara refugee human Refugees middle aged Middle East statistics medication compliance ethnology United States Young Adult Humans smoking Adolescent Antitubercular Agents California male latent tuberculosis tuberculostatic agent female risk factor Risk Factors prevalence Article adult Medication Adherence
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84896498076&doi=10.2105%2fAJPH.2013.301637&partnerID=40&md5=1c9b999e8969c3f28cd13800e52def66
DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301637
ISSN: 00900036
Cited by: 18
Original Language: English