April 2003
From BMJ-British Medical Journal
Delay in spotting TB is more common in white people and women Delay in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis, London, 1998-2000: analysis of surveillance data BMJ Volume 326, pp 909-10 Delays in diagnosing tuberculosis are more common in white people and women, finds a study in this week's BMJ.Researchers analysed surveillance data and a national survey to estimate delays in tuberculosis diagnosis in London from 1998 to 2000. They found a median delay of 49 days. Delays between onset of symptoms and diagnosis were more likely for white patients and women. This might be because tuberculosis may be suspected and investigated more readily among men or black or Asian people, suggest the authors. Recent campaigns have appropriately tried to raise awareness of tuberculosis, particularly among ethnic minority groups, say the authors. "Our data suggest that campaigns also need to be targeted at white people, who comprise a third of cases, they conclude. | |