Active case finding of pulmonary tuberculosis by participation of migrant health volunteers among migrant communities in Mae Sot municipality, Tak Province, 2014

Abstract

Active case finding by participation of migrant health volunteers (MHVs) was conducted to identify pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among migrants in Mae Sot municipality, Tak Province, 2014. The activities included training MHVs to screen migrants with suspected PTB using a questionnaire, chest X-ray in suspected PTB migrants using a mobile van, and sputum examination by microscopy and Gene-X pert rapid TB testing in those with abnormal chest X-ray. Frequency and percentage were used to present the results of analysis. Chi square test was used to compare between proportions. The study found 401 migrants with suspected PTB by using a questionnaire. About 38.9% were male and 61.1% were female. Of them, 64 (16.0%) had abnormal chest X-ray. The percentage of migrants with abnormal chest X-ray significantly (p-value = 0.006) increased with increasing age. There were no significant differences of chest X-ray abnormality between genders, communities, and occupations. Of those with abnormal chest X-ray, 1 had sputum-positive PTB by microscopy and 2 were by Gene-X pert rapid TB testing. All these 3 cases were female, with history of chronic cough > 2 weeks and had drug-susceptible organisms. Two cases were registered for treatment and the other went back to Myanmar. Of the two registered cases, one was cured and the other had completed treatment. Active PTB case finding by participation of MHVs including screening for suspected PTB using a questionnaire, chest X-ray in those with suspected PTB, and sputum examination in those with abnormal chest Xray may be useful and appropriate for migrant communities in big cities. The program may reduce PTB spread in these communities.