The time delay of patients presenting with symptoms of TB at TC Newman Hospital, Paarl and the start of their treatment

  • Chantal Fourie Stellenbosch University
  • Carli Hennig Stellenbosch University
  • Adre Lourens Stellenbosch University
  • Esther Basson Stellenbosch University
  • Andre Klop University of Stellenbosch and TC Newman Community Health Centre, Paarl
Keywords: tuberculosis, follow-up, treatment

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem in South Africa. The early detection and treatment of TB cases are essential. The impression of senior staff working at the TC Newman Community Health Centre (TCN), Paarl was that there often is an unnecessary time delay between the presentation of TB symptoms and the diagnosis. A study conducted in The Gambia found that the median time delay was 8.6 weeks (range 5–17).1 The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a time delay between when patients present with symptoms of TB and the start of their treatment at TCN.

Author Biographies

Chantal Fourie, Stellenbosch University
MB, ChB VI student Division of Family Medicien & Primary Care
Carli Hennig, Stellenbosch University
MB, ChB VI student Division of Family Medicien & Primary Care
Adre Lourens, Stellenbosch University
MB, ChB VI student Division of Family Medicien & Primary Care
Esther Basson, Stellenbosch University
MB, ChB VI student Division of Family Medicien & Primary Care
Andre Klop, University of Stellenbosch and TC Newman Community Health Centre, Paarl
MBChB, MSc, MFam Med Lecturer in Family Medicine and Principal Medical Officer
Published
2007-04-04
Issue
Vol 49, No 3 - April 2007
Section
Scientific letters
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