Medical Journal of Australia
Volume 163, Issue 8, 1995, Pages 407-411

Are health undertakings effective in the follow-up of migrants for tuberculosis? (Article)

King K.* , Dorner R.I. , Hackett B.J. , Berry G.
  • a National Health Clearances Unit, Australian Government Health Service, Department Human Services and Health, 120 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
  • b National Health Clearances Unit, Australian Government Health Service, Department Human Services and Health, 120 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
  • c National Health Clearances Unit, Australian Government Health Service, Department Human Services and Health, 120 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
  • d National Health Clearances Unit, Australian Government Health Service, Department Human Services and Health, 120 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

Abstract

Objective: To determine the rate of compliance of migrants issued with a health undertaking for tuberculosis requiring them to report within one month after arrival in Australia. Design: Compliance was monitored prospectively between 1 November 1992 and 31 October 1993. Setting: The Australian Government Health Service in Melbourne. Participants: 1660 migrants with a health undertaking for tuberculosis. Main outcome measure: Compliance with the undertaking (making initial contact and presenting for examination). Results: The overall compliance rate was 58%, but 89% of those who made contact complied with their undertakings. There were significant differences in the compliance rates according to country of application (P<0.001). It was estimated that about 150 people a year who require treatment for tuberculosis could be failing to comply with a health undertaking, eight of whom may require a full course of antituberculous chemotherapy. Conclusions: The administration of the current system of health undertakings for tuberculosis for migrants needs to be strengthened to increase compliance.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

tuberculosis immigrant Infant Emigration and Immigration Prospective Studies Aged Australia health care policy Article follow up patient compliance human adult Child Adolescent public health tuberculostatic agent
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0028879412&partnerID=40&md5=3851db4383f002f40f4f06610c223d74
ISSN: 0025729X
Cited by: 10
Original Language: English