SETTING: Factors that influence testing for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among foreign-born persons in Connecticut are not well understood. OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors for LTBI testing and challenges related to accessing health care among the foreign-born population in Connecticut. DESIGN: Foreign-born Connecticut residents with confirmed or suspected tuberculosis (TB) disease during June 2005 - December 2008 were interviewed regarding health care access and immigration status. Predictors for self-reported testing for LTBI after US entry were determined. RESULTS: Of 161 foreign-born persons interviewed, 48% experienced TB disease within 5 years after arrival. One third (51/156) reported having undergone posta rrival testing for LTBI. Although those with established health care providers were more likely to have reported testing (aOR 4.49, 95%CI 1.48-13.62), only 43% of such persons were tested. Undocumented persons, the majority of whom lacked a provider (53%), were less likely than documented persons to have reported testing (aOR 0.20, 95%CI 0.06-0.67). Hispanic permanent residents (immigrants and refugees) and visitors (persons admitted temporarily) were more likely than non-Hispanics in the respective groups to have reported testing (OR 5.25, 95%CI 1.51-18.31 and OR 7.08, 95%CI 1.30-38.44, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The self-reported rate of testing for LTBI among foreign-born persons in Connecticut with confirmed or suspected TB was low and differed signifi-cantly by ethnicity and immigration status. Strategies are needed to improve health care access for foreignborn persons and expand testing for LTBI, especially among non-Hispanic and undocumented populations. © 2011 The Union.

immigrants Latent tuberculosis infection vulnerable population

Vulnerable Populations Population Surveillance human immigration Self Report middle aged Odds Ratio Ethnic Groups Connecticut priority journal Time Factors Aged Logistic Models interview United States Young Adult Humans Adolescent male Emigrants and Immigrants latent tuberculosis female Aged, 80 and over preschool child tuberculosis Infant Child, Preschool communicable disease control Article Disease Notification infection prevention major clinical study adult health care access tuberculosis control Emigration and Immigration ethnicity health care disparity Health Services Accessibility public health Child