Work

Risk Factors for Missed Study Visits Among Patients With a Positive Screening Test for Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI)

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: Background. Ascertainment of active TB disease endpoints in studies of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is critical. Identification of groups at risk for missed follow-up visits is important for targeting interventions to improve visit attendance. Methods. The Tuberculosis Epidemiologic Studies Consortium is conducting a multicenter study evaluating the tuberculin skin test (TST) and 2 interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs), QuantiFERON Gold in-tube and T-SPOT TB. Patients with a positive TST or IGRA (using standard United States cut-points) enrolled in Nashville, Tennessee, April 2012–June 2015 were included. Study follow-up visits were conducted in-person or by phone every 6 months for 2 years to ascertain active TB endpoints; compensation was provided. Modified Poisson Regression estimated the adjusted relative risk (aRR) of any one of 4 possible missed study visits. Generalized estimating equations accounted for multiple outcomes per individual. Variables with p < 0.10 in univariate analysis were included in adjusted analyses; age, sex, and study visit number were also included. Interactions were assessed; none were significant. Results. Among 185 persons and 597 study visits, 99 visits (17%) were missed. Those reporting Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination and current smoking were at increased risk for missed study visits; there was a trend toward increased risk of missed study visits among non-English speakers (32% Nepali, 31% Burmese, 10% Arabic) (table). Conclusion. In this population, BCG vaccination and current smoking may be predictors of missed study visits; linguistic barriers may also contribute. Interventions, such as enhanced LTBI education, targeted toward these groups may improve follow-up for future LTBI studies. Adjusted Model Disclosures. All authors: No reported disclosures.

Source: Open Forum Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofw172.393

Authors: Marian Lacy, Fernanda Maruri, Kristian Atchley, Timothy R. Sterling, April Pettit

Institution: Vanderbilt University

Language: English

Topic: Tuberculosis Research and Epidemiology

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,053