Background. In 1999 the Seattle-King County Health Department in collaboration with Harborview Medical Center began a project to improve the results of TB screening among Bosnian, Russian, and Somali speaking refugees, who now comprise the primary groups of refugees entering this region.
Objectives. The main objectives of the study are to increase the rates of acceptance and completion of INH treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) among new immigrants and to pilot the use of bilingual-bicultural outreach workers in this treatment.
Methods. Designated individuals from target communities were trained to provide culturally-tailored outreach. Members of these communities, screened for TB and recommended to start INH treatment, are offered case-management by these trained outreach workers. Rates of acceptance and completion of INH therapy among those receiving case-management are compared to historical rates of INH completion for the same populations.
Results. Data analysis indicates that among refugees receiving case-management, INH acceptance and completion rates have increased. In 1996 among all foreign-born persons offered INH treatment only 57% started treatment and of those who started, only 50% completed it. Using data from April 1, 1999 to March 31, 2000, INH start rates were 92% for Bosnian, 86% for Somali, and 61% for Russian speaking refugees and completion rates were 95%, 79%, and 69% respectively.
Conclusions. Results suggest that this bilingual-bicultural case-management model may be an effective approach to improving the number of foreign-born individuals who agree to start and complete tuberculosis preventive therapy, ultimately reducing the incidence of TB in these communities.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the bilingual, bicultural case-management model and it's application in the treatment of latent TB infection. 2. Discuss the relationship between bilingual, bicultural case-management and compliance with treatment for latent TB infection.
Keywords: Refugees, TB
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: 1. Harborview Medical Center
2. Public Health- Seattle & King County TB Control Program
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment