Latent Tuberculosis Infection Screening Acceptability among Migrant Farmworkers

Obiyo Osuchukwu, Maria Nuῆez, Samuel Packard, John Ehiri, Cecilia Rosales, Eric Hawkins, José Gabino Gerardo Avilés, Francisco Gonzalez-Salazar, Eyal Oren

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)62-74
Number of pages13
JournalInternational Migration
Volume55
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Demography

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Latent Tuberculosis Infection Screening Acceptability among Migrant Farmworkers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this