How do private practitioners in Pakistan manage children suspected having tuberculosis? A cross sectional study

Abstract Background In Pakistan, private providers provide a large portion of health care, including for tuberculosis (TB). All TB patients are supposed to be reported the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP), which provides drugs free charge in addition monitoring, supervision, and support. However, diagnosis children is difficult. We aimed assess care providers’ investigation practices management childhood TB. Methods used cross-sectional study, was based on national survey measuring under-reporting with 12 selected districts Pakistan from April–June, 2016. explored providers, workers i.e. general practitioners, pediatricians, pulmonologists chest specialists, who were involved under 15 years investigating managing suspected having Results Among 6519 presumptive child cases, total 5193(79.7%) diagnosed as by during second quarter, Only 187(2.9%) notified NTP. The majority cases cough, fever, failure thrive; few had contacts pulmonary patients. Failure thrive, loss body weight absence BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) scar more common female children. Private relied X-ray 46.1%, while tuberculin skin test Gene-Xpert MTB/RIF testing little utilized. Bacteriological confirmation present 7.6%, clinical assessment only basis 39.3%. Of TB, 955(14.6%) treated provider, 3121(47.9%) referred 2443(37.5%) after treatment; among all referred, 3812(68.5%) sent investigations District Centre (NTP). Conclusion This study showed that many laboratories further diagnosis, but identified these often not problem could resolved strengthening referral linkages between NTP treatment centres through capacity building training their staff.