F-97 Acceptance of treatment for latent tuberculosis infection among healthcare workers recently diagnosed with latent tuberculosis infection = F-97 Acceptance of treatment for latent tuberculosis infection among healthcare workers recently diagnosed with latent tuberculosis infection

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk for tuberculosis (TB) infection. Thus, a diagnostic test for latent TB infection (LTBI) is mandated for HCW by Korean government since 2016. However, much is not known about acceptance rate of LTBI treatment among HCWs who were recently diagnosed with LTBI.
Methods: We analyzed compliance with LTBI treatment among the HCWs at university hospital in a prospective observational study. HCWs were tested for LTBI using Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA, QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube). The IGRA test positive subjects were informed the results and recommended to visit respiratory specialist clinic for consultation and treatment of LTBI via short message services up to three times. For enrolled subjects, acceptance of LTBI were assessed prospectively.
Results: Of 1213 HCWs, who were tested for LTBI, 332 subjects (27.4%) were found to be positive to IGRA test. Among 332 IGRA positive HCWs, 228 subjects (68.7%) visited specialist clinic within one month after noticing the results. Of 189 HCWs visiting specialty clinic and eligible for LTBI treatment, 128 subjects (67.7%) accepted LTBI treatment and 61 (32.3%) declined. Factors for non-visit or non-acceptance of LTBI treatment were being a doctor and old age (P ＜0.05).
Conclusions: This prospective observational study found that non-visit or non-acceptance of treatment initiation is common among HCWs in Korea. More efforts are needed to enhance compliance with national strategy for LTBI management in HCWs.