Factors Affecting the Time to Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in the Head and Neck Region
Keywords:
tuberculosis in the head and neck region, factors, duration, diagnosisAbstract
Background and Objective: Tuberculosis in the head and neck regions present with a variety of symptoms and signs, making diagnosis challenging. Delayed diagnosis could impact patients, leading to decrease quality of life, increase complications, and mortality. This study aimed to determine factors influencing the time to diagnosis of tuberculosis in the head and neck regions within 15 days and beyond 15 days.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients diagnosed with tuberculosis in the head and neck region at Chaiyaphum hospital from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2023. Data were collected from medical records. Patients were divided into two groups: those diagnosed within 15 days and those diagnosed beyond 15 days. Factors influencing the diagnosis were analyzed.
Results: Among the 241 patients with head and neck tuberculosis, factors influencing diagnosis statistically significant within 15 days included male gender, body temperature ≥ 37.8°C, symptom duration less than 60 days, HIV infection, multiple site infections, mass size ≥ 3 cm, neutrophil count greater than 80%, and abnormal chest x-ray. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified symptom duration less than 60 days (AOR 3.51, 95% CI 1.64-7.52), HIV infection (AOR 3.38, 95% CI 1.63-7.03), and multiple site infections (AOR 2.88, 95% CI 1.54-5.39) as factors influencing diagnosis within 15 days.
Conclusion: Factors influencing the time to diagnosis within 15 days include symptom duration less than 60 days, HIV infection, and multiple site infections. These factors can be used to predict the likelihood of head and neck tuberculosis, facilitating further confirmatory testing and leading to prompt and appropriate treatment.
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