Tuberculosis in sheltered homeless population of Rome: an integrated model of recruitment for risk management

ScientificWorldJournal. 2012:2012:396302. doi: 10.1100/2012/396302. Epub 2012 Feb 1.

Abstract

The authors show the results of an integrated model for risk management of tuberculosis in a sample of sheltered homeless in Rome. Tuberculin skin test (TST) was used for evaluating the prevalence of latent infection (LTBI). In TST positives, expectorate was collected and chest X-ray was achieved. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate determinants of infection. Out of 288 recruited subjects, 259 returned for the TST reading; 45.56% were positive and referred to a specialized center; 70 accessed the health facility and completed the clinical pathway. The risk factors associated to LTBI were male gender (OR = 3.72), age over 60 years (OR = 3.59), immigrant status (OR = 3.73), and obesity (OR = 2.19). This approach, based on an integrated social network, guarantees high adherence to screening (89.93%), allowing patients testing positive for latent tuberculosis infection to be diagnosed and rapidly referred to a specialized center.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons*
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Management / organization & administration*
  • Rome / epidemiology
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology*