Abstract
Latent tuberculosis (TB) infection is routinely diagnosed using the tuberculin skin test (TST). New methods of detection more specific than TST such as QuantiFERON TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) have been developed but evidence remains limited on their acceptability among migrant farmworkers. This article examined the acceptability of screening tests among migrant farmworkers working on the Arizona-Mexico border. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of migrant farmworkers via questionnaire. Of 83 participants interviewed, 53 (63.9%) believed that TB was a serious disease that could result in death and 59 (71.1%) considered TB a health concern in their community. Sixty-four participants (77.1%) rated QFT-GIT test as performing better than TST. Our study demonstrates preference for QFT-GIT results over TST, and highlights migrant farmworkers’ considering themselves at risk of TB and TB as a health concern. Policies that create easy access and culturally appropriate, affordable healthcare for this vulnerable population should be encouraged.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 62-74 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | International Migration |
Volume | 55 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2017 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Demography