This study in South Africa tested whether trained lay health workers could help find more tuberculosis (TB) cases in hospitals by doing regular screening and using better testing tools. Compared to the year before, the number of patients diagnosed with TB doubled (from 7.5% to 15%) and fewer people died in the hospital. The results show that using lay health workers for TB … [Read more...] about Enhancing tuberculosis (TB) case detection among hospitalized patients through lay health worker led screening: a before-and-after study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Tuberculosis
Cost and cost-effectiveness of pediatric home-based versus facility-based TB Preventive Treatment in Ethiopia (CHIP-TB)
This study in Ethiopia compared two ways of giving tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment to children at risk: one at home and one at a health facility. Home-based care, provided by community health workers, was cheaper for both the health system and families. It also helped more children start treatment in most cases. While home visits may not fully replace clinic care, … [Read more...] about Cost and cost-effectiveness of pediatric home-based versus facility-based TB Preventive Treatment in Ethiopia (CHIP-TB)
Safety of 3-month rifampicin-isoniazid TPT in child household contacts in a community-based intervention
The WHO recommends shorter TB preventive treatment (TPT) regimens and community-based care to improve outcomes. This study tested the safety of a 3-month rifampicin-isoniazid (3RH) regimen given at home by community health workers (CHWs) in Cameroon and Uganda. Researchers compared this approach to standard facility-based care in a trial involving child contacts of TB patients. … [Read more...] about Safety of 3-month rifampicin-isoniazid TPT in child household contacts in a community-based intervention
A Novel Cascaded Approach for Classification of Tuberculosis Using Cough Audio in Real-Time Environment
This study explores using artificial intelligence to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) by analyzing cough sounds. The researchers developed a system that first distinguishes between coughs and background noise, then classifies the cough as either TB-related or not. They collected cough recordings from patients at a hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, and tested the system using various … [Read more...] about A Novel Cascaded Approach for Classification of Tuberculosis Using Cough Audio in Real-Time Environment
Adapting a mobile TB screening unit to provide integrated screening services and linkage to primary care
We piloted a mobile health screening program in underserved communities in Lima, Peru, combining checks for TB, hypertension, diabetes, and depression. To reduce TB stigma, the program was rebranded, and community health workers (CHWs) helped link people to care. Between August and December 2023, 1,000 adults were screened, with 254 referred for evaluation. Of these, 197 … [Read more...] about Adapting a mobile TB screening unit to provide integrated screening services and linkage to primary care
