Barriers to prompt TB diagnosis-a comparative study between northern Malawi and eastern rural China.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) case detection in China has improved remarkably, partly benefiting from the reducing delay to TB care, whereas the timeliness of TB care in Malawi remains problematic.

Methods: This study investigates barriers hindering timely TB diagnosis in Malawi and China, and attempts to share the experience in high burden countries. A cross-sectional study on TB diagnostic delay was conducted among 254 Malawian and 146 Chinese TB patients.

Post-2015, why delay to seek healthcare? Perceptions and field experiences from TB healthcare providers in northern Malawi: a qualitative study.

Background: Malawi is a low-income country with high Tuberculosis (TB) burden. TB diagnosis delay and untimely initiation of treatment is still a major problem in Malawi which could increase the risk of tuberculosis transmission in the communities. This study investigated factors related to the diagnostic delay of tuberculosis from TB healthcare providers in the northern region of Malawi.