Aims: First, to quantify the interval between the onset of symptoms and the start of anti-tuberculous treatment in a series of Auckland tuberculosis patients. Second, to examine the help-seeking behaviour of the patients and the responses of the health-care providers whom they consulted about their symptoms. Third, to identify potentially modifiable reasons for delayed presentation or diagnosis.
Methods: 100 patients with tuberculosis (TB) were interviewed using a questionnaire which sought symptom duration and help-seeking behaviour. The doctors whom they consulted were surveyed about their diagnostic, therapeutic and referral responses.
Results: Delayed presentation by patients ('patient delay') was found in smokers, patients who reported cough, patients who hoped their symptoms would go away on their own, and patients reporting fear of what would be found on diagnosis. 'Doctor delay' (the interval from first consultation with a doctor to start of treatment) was longer than that found in most published series and was a more important component of total delay than delayed presentation by patients. Longer doctor delay was found if patients had pre-existing lung disease or consulted multiple doctors, and if doctors did not inquire into past exposure to TB or request a chest X-ray.
Conclusions: Awareness programmes for high-risk communities are needed to encourage early reporting of symptoms. Continuing medical education for general practitioners is needed to encourage vigilance for TB and earlier use of diagnostic tests in patients who have symptoms of TB and are in high-risk groups.