Objective: To study the factors influencing delayed pulmonary tuberculosis suspicion and isolation among hospitalized patients in Songklanagarind Hospital.
Material and method: A prospective study examining the microbiologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis patients who were admitted in the hospital. The data collected included demographic data, HIV status, initial symptoms, and chest radiographs.
Results: Sixty inpatients were identified. Forty-five percent and 30% of patients were admitted. There was delay in suspicion of pulmonary tuberculosis and delay in isolation in 18 (30%) and 24 (40%) patients, respectively. There was no statistical significance among delayed and non-delayed groups of pulmonary tuberculosis suspicion and isolation.
Conclusion: The pulmonary tuberculosis suspicion and isolation should concern patients for whom TB is an etiologic implication.