Children in contact with adults with tuberculosis at Popayan, Colombia. A cohort study

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a serious public health problem worldwide; Children are at greater risk for developing the disease. Prophylaxis of latent tuberculosis infection is one of the most effective ways to break the chain of transmission strategies. Programs of Tuberculosis Control have the goal the treatment of the disease and achieve control factors of spreading it. Objective: To know the clinics characteristics and the degree of compliance with treatment in children, in contact with tuberculosis adults, in Popayán. Methods: We follow a cohort of children attending the Tuberculosis Control Program in Popayan Unit, between January / 2008 and June / 2010. Characteristics of child population, adult sick and the degree of compliance with treatment were evaluated. Results: 92 children were in contact with 77 adults with tuberculosis; in 90% of children, adult contact was a close family. The most common symptoms were flu (30%), cough (23%). 55% of patients had chest radiography. 40% of patients were not performed the baciloscopy. Only 27% had access to tuberculina test. 20.5% of children had disease, 14.1% were classified as exposure and 28.3% as latent infection. All cases of disease had good adhesion to the monitoring and treatment of the remaining population only 36% attended bimonthly scheduled checkups. Conclusions: Poor adherence to medical monitoring and treatment in children classified as exposed or latent tuberculosis infection was observed. Just existence of the program does not guarantee the fulfilment of objectives, is necessary to improve the socioeconomic determinants, educational, governmental and commitment of health agencies, and identify barriers to adherence.