Is Universal Screening Necessary? Incidence of Tuberculosis among Tibetan Refugees Arriving in Calgary, Alberta
Abstract
Canadian policy requires refugees with a history of tuberculosis (TB) or abnormal chest radiograph to be screened after arrival for TB. However, Tibetan refugees are screened, regardless of preimmigration assessment. We sought to determine the incidence of latent (LTBI) and active TB, as well as treatment-related outcomes and associations between preimmigration factors and TB infection among Tibetan refugees arriving in Calgary, Alberta. We found no associations between preimmigration factors and treatment completion. A case of active TB was detected and treated. Within this cohort, the case of active TB would have been detected through the usual postsurveillance process due to a history of TB and abnormal chest radiograph. Forty-nine percent had LTBI, compared to previously quoted rates of 97 percent. Tibetan refugees should be screened for TB in a similar manner to other refugees resettling in Canada.
Notes
Gaps identified
NA
Key recommendations
CIC needs to reconsider its policy about mandatory screening of Tibetan refugees. Its resources can be used more efficiently.
Key findings
This study shows that mandatory universal screening of Tibetan refugees does not help to enhance the detection of TB cases.
Community organizations
Calgary TB Services
Location
Calgary
Key populations
Tibetan refugees
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
NA
Open-access – Yes
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crj/2016/8249843/