Delays in Diagnosis of Tuberculosis a Fishing Community in Uganda: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) is important in avoiding poor outcomes, such as multiple drug-resistant TB, community spread and death. This study aimed at identifying factors associated with delay in diagnosis of TB  at health facility. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 126 randomly selected TB  patients aged 18 years and above attending primary healthcare facilities in a high HIV burden fishing community. TB  patients were identified retrospectively between January 2022 and September 2023 and risk factors for delayed diagnosis were analyzed using the chi-square test in Namayingo district, Uganda, with an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: The median age of the respondents was 36 years, with 60% being male and 40% female. Total diagnostic delay was evident in 69.4% of cases, with a median of eight weeks. Patient delay was the largest contributor to total diagnostic delay at 64%, with a median of six weeks, followed by health facility delay at 50% and a median of two weeks. Testing delay was 46.5%, with a median delay of zero days, while treatment delay was at 12.5%, also with a median of zero days. The predictors of patient delay included the respondent’s sex and knowledge about TB. The predictors of health facility delay included the level of equipment at the health facility. Conclusion: There was an unacceptable total diagnostic delay of eight weeks. Patient delay was the leading contributor to this total diagnostic delay. The Ministry of Health of Uganda and its partners could intensify awareness about TB and improve the supply of TB equipment and utilities.