Tuberculosis in Sheltered Homeless Population of Rome: An Integrated Model of Recruitment for Risk Management. (1st February 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Laurenti, Patrizia; Bruno, Stefania; Quaranta, Gianluigi; La Torre, Giuseppe; Cairo, Antonio G.; Nardella, Pierangela; Delogu, Giovanni; Fadda, Giovanni; Pirronti, Tommaso; Geraci, Salvatore; Pelargonio, Salvatore; Lauria, Francesco N.; Goletti, Delia; Ricciardi, Gualtiero
• Other Names: Meinking Terri L. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: TheScientificWorldjournal. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-02-01
• Subjects: Science -- Periodicals; Technology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; 505
• DOI: 10.1100/2012/396302
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2356-6140

Abstract

Abstract : The authors show the results of an integrated model for risk management of tuberculosis in a sample of sheltered homeless in Rome. Tuberculin skin test (TST) was used for evaluating the prevalence of latent infection (LTBI). In TST positives, expectorate was collected and chest X-ray was achieved. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate determinants of infection. Out of 288 recruited subjects, 259 returned for the TST reading; 45.56% were positive and referred to a specialized center; 70 accessed the health facility and completed the clinical pathway. The risk factors associated to LTBI were male gender (OR = 3.72 ), age over 60 years (OR = 3.59 ), immigrant status (OR = 3.73 ), and obesity (OR = 2.19 ). This approach, based on an integrated social network, guarantees high adherence to screening (89.93%), allowing patients testing positive for latent tuberculosis infection to be diagnosed and rapidly referred to a specialized center.