Screening for active and latent TB among migrants in France

S E T T I N G : Migrants to Europe face a disproportionate burden of infections, including TB, yet little is known about the approach taken by primary and secondary care providers to screening and treatment. We therefore explored policy and practice relating to screening of active TB and latent TB infection (LTBI) in France. M E T H O D S : We conducted an online national survey of French primary and secondary care physicians regarding their practices in relation to TB/LTBI screening among migrants. RES U LT S : 367 physicians responded to the question-naire among which 195 (53.1%) were primary care physicians, 126 (34.3%) were TB specialists in second-ary care, and 46 (12.5%) other physicians; 303 (85.5%) were involved daily in the care of migrants. Most respondents recommended systematic TB screening with chest X-ray for migrants from medium and high-incidence countries (71.9%). Primary care physicians were less likely to offer screening than physicians in other settings (aOR 0.21, 95% CI 0.09-0.48). 220 (61.8%) offered LTBI screening for children (,15 years) and 34.0% for all migrants from high incidence countries. C O N C L U S I O N : Improving awareness on TB screening is a critical next step to improve health outcomes in migrant groups and meet regional targets for tackling TB.

Automated summary

The study highlighted the lack of awareness and inconsistency in TB/LTBI screening practices among primary and secondary care providers in France when it comes to migrant populations. Improving awareness on TB screening is crucial for better health outcomes in migrants and achieving regional targets in tackling TB.