Persistent problems of access to appropriate, affordable TB services in rural China: experiences of different socio-economic groups

Zhang, Tuohong, Tang, Shenglan, Jun, Gao and Whitehead, Margaret (2007) 'Persistent problems of access to appropriate, affordable TB services in rural China: experiences of different socio-economic groups'. BMC Public Health, Vol 7, :19.

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Abstract

Background
Large-scale Tuberculosis (TB) control programmes in China have been hailed a success. Concerns remain, however, about whether the programme is reaching all sections of the population, particularly poorer groups within rural communities, and whether there are hidden costs. This study takes a household perspective to investigate receipt of appropriate care and affordability of services for different socio-economic groups with TB symptoms in rural China.

Methods
Secondary analysis of Chinese National Household Health Survey for 2003: 40,000 rural households containing 143,991 individuals, 2,308 identified as TB suspects. Outcomes: use of services and expenditure of TB suspects, by gender and socio-economic position, indicated by household income, education, material assets, and insurance status.

Results
37% of TB suspects did not seek any professional care, with low-income groups less likely to seek care than more affluent counterparts. Of those seeking care, only 35% received any of the recommended diagnostic tests. Of the 182 patients with a confirmed TB diagnosis, 104 (57%) received treatment at the recommended level, less likely if lacking health insurance or material assets. The burden of payment for services amounted to 45% of annual household income for the low-income group, 16% for the high-income group.

Conclusion
Access to appropriate, affordable TB services is still problematic in some rural areas of China, and receipt of care and affordability declines with declining socio-economic position. These findings highlight the current shortcomings of the national TB control programme in China and the formidable challenge it faces if it is to reach all sections of the population, including the poor with the highest burden of disease.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Open Access Highly Accessed
Uncontrolled Keywords:	affordable TB services, rural China: socio-economic groups,
Subjects:	WA Public Health > WA 100 General works WA Public Health > WA 30 Socioeconomic factors in public health (General) WF Respiratory System > Tuberculosis > WF 200 Tuberculosis (General)
Digital Object Identifer (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-7-19
Depositing User:	Philomena Hinds
Date Deposited:	20 Aug 2010 08:19
Last Modified:	07 Jun 2022 11:09
URI:	https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/1156

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