A Tuberculosis Screening and Chemoprophylaxis Project in Children from a High Risk Population in Edmonton, Alberta
Abstract
Current recommendations for tuberculosis control are to screen high risk populations and provide chemoprophylaxis for those infected. In Edmonton, Alberta, one strategy has been to identify and provide TB skin tests to newly arrived immigrant school age children from TB endemic areas. The difficulty has been in identifying these children in the school population. This article describes a process tried in 1993–94 to find a better approach and to determine the outcome of a concentrated effort at screening and follow-up of this population. Using this method, 1,146 students were TB skin tested using 5tu PPD: 15% showed significant reactions (10mm), 89% were offered chemoprophylaxis, and 68% of those offered (84% of those accepting) completed 9 months of chemoprophylaxis. The success of this process was dependent on the dedicated follow-up provided by the specialty public health clinic devoted to the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis.
Notes
Key recommendations
Addressing the issues which decrease the effectiveness of screening and prevention programs would improve results and consequently increase the cost-effectiveness of the program
Key findings
The success of a TB screening program lies in the ability to provide chemoprophylaxis for those individuals who are infected. Screening of high-risk groups and prevention of TB by means of chemoprophylaxis is an important component of TB control, and is especially important for the age group under 20 years due to the combined advantage of a longer lifespan free from TB disease and the very low risk of side effects of INH (Isoniazid) medication.
Gaps identified
NA
Community organizations
School Boards in Edmonton
Key populations
Newly arrived immigrant school age children from TB endemic areas
Location
Edmonton, Alberta
Open-access – Yes
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03404496
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
NA