Factors determing the diagnostic delay of microscopy-positive pulmonary tuberculosis in the city of Agadir

Abstract

Introduction : Untreated microscopy-positive pulmonary tuberculosis is a common form of tuberculosis in our context, constituting a reservoir for the transmission of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic delay and various factors associated with the delay in diagnosing microscopy-positive pulmonary tuberculosis in Agadir. <bold>Methods:</bold> It was a cross-sectional study with an analytical and descriptive aim, based on the records of 85 patients with microscopy-positive pulmonary tuberculosis followed at Hassan II Hospital in Agadir and the Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Diagnostic Center in Agadir. Results : Men accounted for 56.8 % of our population, while women accounted for 43.2%. The mean age was 48 years, with the majority of patients 60.1% having a low socioeconomic status. 45.4% were illiterate, with 34 % initially seeking consultation in the public sector, 36% in the non-hospital sector, and 24% in the private sector. The median time to medical consultation was 40 days. Factors associated with a consultation delay exceeding 40 days were illiteracy (p = 0.005), rural background (p = 0.003), economic constraints (p = 0.002), and initial consultation in non-hospital facilities (p = 0.042). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Consideration of the factors responsible for the delayed diagnosis of microscopy-positive pulmonary tuberculosis in tuberculosis control programs will reduce the diagnostic delay of this form of tuberculosis.