What the study found
Delays in consultation among tuberculosis (TB) patients in Shenyang City increased from 2015 to 2024, and more than half of the patients experienced a delay. The study also identified several groups with a higher risk of delay, including women, adults aged 60 years and older, ethnic minorities, and patients who were positive for pathology.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that intervention strategies should be implemented for risk factors and key populations to reduce patients’ suffering and economic losses. The study suggests that earlier detection and diagnosis are important for preventing disease spread and deterioration.
What the researchers tested
The researchers retrospectively analyzed consultation delay among TB patients in Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, using data from the China Tuberculosis Information Management System from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2024. They used descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression to examine factors associated with delay.
What worked and what didn't
A total of 38,928 TB patients were included. The median delay in consultation was 18 days, and 22,051 patients (56.65%) had delayed consultation; the delay rate increased over time. Women, patients aged 60 years or older, ethnic minorities, and patients positive for pathology had higher odds of delay, while intracity mobility and being identified through a physical examination were protective factors.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe study limitations. The findings are based on surveillance data from Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, so the scope is limited to that setting and the available records.
Key points
- Delay in TB consultation increased in Shenyang City from 2015 to 2024.
- Among 38,928 TB patients, 56.65% experienced delayed consultation.
- Higher odds of delay were seen in women, adults aged 60 or older, ethnic minorities, and patients positive for pathology.
- Intracity mobility and identification through physical examination were protective factors for delay.
- The authors say intervention strategies should target risk factors and key populations.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Patient delay in tuberculosis care increased in Shenyang from 2015 to 2024
- Authors:
- Yuchen Gao, Jingxiao Li, Jiying Ma, Zihui Yu, Xiaohui Ren, Siwei Chao, Nan Wang, Jie Liu, Yu Wang
- Institutions:
- Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-05
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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