Cost implications of delays to tuberculosis diagnosis among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia.

Background: Delays seeking care worsen the burden of tuberculosis and cost of care for patients, families and the public health system. This study investigates costs of tuberculosis diagnosis incurred by patients, escorts and the public health system in 10 districts of Ethiopia.

Methods: New pulmonary tuberculosis patients > or = 15 years old were interviewed regarding their health care seeking behaviour at the time of diagnosis.

Quality of tuberculosis care and its association with patient adherence to treatment in eight Ethiopian districts.

Background: Little is known about the quality of tuberculosis (TB) service delivery in public health facilities in Ethiopia and its association with patients' non-adherence to TB treatment. This study assessed the organization, management and processes of TB care delivery, and their effects on patients' adherence to TB treatment.

Methods: The quality of TB care was investigated in 44 public health facilities from three perspectives: structure, processes of TB care delivery and patient treatment outcome.

Delayed consultation among pulmonary tuberculosis patients: a cross sectional study of 10 DOTS districts of Ethiopia.

Background: Delays seeking care increase transmission of pulmonary tuberculosis and hence the burden of tuberculosis, which remains high in developing countries. This study investigates patterns of health seeking behavior and determines risk factors for delayed patient consultation at public health facilities in 10 districts of Ethiopia.

Methods: New pulmonary TB patients >or= 15 years old were recruited at 18 diagnostic centres.