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Factors Associated with Delayed Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Patients Referred to Razi Hospital in Rasht, 2023: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Rezvaneh Koohgard giulani    , Ahamd Ghasemi *1 |
| 1- , ahmadghasemi720@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (14 Views) |
Background and Objective: Delay in the diagnosis of tuberculosis poses a major challenge in controlling this global epidemic, leading to continued disease transmission and aggravated complications. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic delay and identify factors affecting it in patients with tuberculosis referred to Razi Educational and Therapeutic Hospital in Rasht in 2023.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data from 126 patients with tuberculosis were collected using a census method. Data were extracted using a researcher-made checklist and analyzed using SPSS software version 21 and appropriate statistical tests.
Results: Among the 126 patients, 88.1% (n=111) had pulmonary tuberculosis and 53.2% (n=67) had the clinical symptom of prolonged cough. The mean (± standard deviation) diagnostic delay was 51.5 ± 41.3 days, with a median of 33.5 days (interquartile range: 29 to 60 days). The diagnostic delay was significantly higher in hospitalized patients (median: 45 days) compared to outpatients (median: 30 days) (P=0.015). Although the diagnostic delay was higher in rural residents (median: 40 days) compared to urban residents (median: 32 days) and in patients without underlying diseases (median: 35 days) compared to those with underlying diseases (median: 30 days), these differences were not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The findings indicate a significant diagnostic delay in tuberculosis, which is more pronounced in specific populations such as hospitalized patients. These results highlight the necessity for implementing targeted programs to expedite diagnosis, especially in high-risk groups.
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| Keywords: Tuberculosis, Diagnostic delay, Determining factors. |
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Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/10/12 | Accepted: 2025/12/3
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