The public health management of tuberculosis among the single homeless: is mass miniature x ray screening effective?. Issue 2 (April 1992)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stevens, A; Bickler, G; Jarrett, L; Bateman, N
• Is Part Of: Journal of epidemiology and community health. Volume 46:Issue 2(1992)
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 1992-04
• Subjects: Public health -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; 614.4
• DOI: 10.1136/jech.46.2.141
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-005X

Abstract

Abstract : STUDY OBJECTIVE--The aim was to test the assumption that mass miniature x ray screening of the single homeless (hostel residents) is a cost-effective means of controlling pulmonary tuberculosis. DESIGN--The study was a prospective experimental screening exercise to identify new cases of active tuberculosis completing treatment. SETTING--The setting was eight hostels in south London. A mobile x ray screening facility was set up outside the hostels. SUBJECTS--Subjects were 547 single homeless residents in the hostels. They were encouraged to attend for chest x ray, and for active follow up of abnormal x rays. MAIN RESULTS--No new cases of active tuberculosis were found. CONCLUSIONS--Mass miniature x ray is ineffective in controlling tuberculosis because of its unacceptability and increasing inaccessibility to this population.