Female-male differences at various clinical steps of tuberculosis management in rural Bangladesh

  • 1 November 2008
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 12  (11) , 1336-1339
Abstract
A registry data-based study of 3600 patients systematically drawn from out-patient clinic, laboratory and tuberculosis (TB) treatment registers (1200 from each) examined female-male differences at various clinical steps of TB management and compared selective indicators with published results. Female-to-male ratios (FMR) declined at the following clinical steps: respiratory patients seeking out-patient care (0.81), TB suspects submitting sputum for testing (0.52) and smear-positive test results (0.38), but the decline ceased at treatment Initiation (0.41). Compared to 1997, the FMR in 2000 had decreased for out-patient clinics and sputum submission for testing, but had increased for smear-positive test results and treatment initiation. More female than male patients who underwent treatment achieved cure 93% vs. 89%,). Lower female representation at the different clinical steps of TB management persists.

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