A Comparative Study of Tuberculosis Control Performance Before and After the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak in Phayao Province

Abstract

 This descriptive study aims to compare tuberculosis (TB) control performance before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, focusing on proactive screening and laboratory testing. Secondary data were collected from the TB reporting program in Thailand for TB patients registered in 2019 (333 cases) and 2022 (234 cases). The study also examined the work practices of personnel involved in TB management during the COVID-19 outbreak. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and chi-square test to compare TB control performance before and after the outbreak (year 2019 vs. 2022). The study found that proactive screening using chest X-rays in high-risk groups decreased from 72.27% to 55.78%. TB registration for all patient types decreased from 11.41% to 7.18%. Sputum examination at the end of TB treatment decreased from 66.07% to 47.86%.  During the COVID-19 outbreak, personnel involved in TB management predominantly engaged in screening, searching, and following up with patients at 45.95%. Receiving regular support in terms of materials, equipment, and budget accounted for 47.22%. Service delivery adaptation included reducing the number of service recipients, shortening service hours, and minimizing group activities, which led to a decrease in TB control performance in post-COVID-19 outbreak. This was a negative effect especially in proactive screening for TB patients, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment, and finally affecting TB transmission. Therefore, it is crucial to properly design TB services during public health emergencies to maintain all aspects of TB care comprehensively.