Publication

Abstract : We aimed to describe the providers and out of pocket expenditure involved in the care of childhood tuberculosis (TB). Methods: We conducted a facility based descriptive study at a pediatric outpatient clinic between March and July 2018. Information on symptoms, number and sequence of providers and the expenditure were captured through interviews with parents. Results: A total of 73 children were included, mean age was 9.8 years and more than half were females (57.5%). Most (57.5%) reported fever as the first symptom. Regarding first point of contact, 57% sought care at public health facilities, 40% at private hospital or clinic and two (3%) children were taken to a traditional healer. Median (range) of providers visited in the entire pathways of TB care was one (1-2). Median (IQR) time gap between first symptom and diagnosis was 30 (0-30) days in children who contacted private provider or traditional healer. Financial constraints were the major reason for the preference of the first point of contact and the median (IQR) money spent on the entire pathways was 37.1 (23-54.9) USD. Conclusion: More than half of children diagnosed with TB had sought care at public health facilities and there was a substantial delay in diagnosis among children seeking care from private providers and traditional healer.