Factors influencing delays in seeking medical care among elderly patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Ningbo: a study conducted from 2015 to 2023.

Abstract

Introduction: To investigate the factors causing delays in medical treatment for elderly patients with pulmonary tuberculosis over various time periods.

Methodology: Data were collected from 7,821 elderly individuals aged 60 and above diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis between 2015 and 2023. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine the characteristics and influencing factors associated with delays in seeking medical care.

Results: The median delay time for elderly patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Ningbo was 17 days, with a delay rate of 55.06%. Comparative analysis revealed that farmers and individuals from less economically developed areas faced higher risks of delay (OR = 1.097, 95% CI: 1.002-1.202; OR = 1.231, 95% CI: 1.120-1.354). Notably, the risk of delayed medical treatment decreased from 2020 to 2023 (OR = 0.793, 95% CI: 0.725-0.869) and among males (OR = 0.813, 95% CI: 0.735-0.901), compared to the period from 2015 to 2019 and females.Among various sources, health examination patients had a lower risk than referral patients (OR = 0.486, 95% CI:0.329-0.719), while those from other sources showed higher risk compared to referred patients (OR = 3.362, 95% CI:1.118-10.113 ). Additionally, there was a significant age difference between patients with and without delays (Z =-2.725 ,P = 0.006 ).

Conclusions: Elderly patients with pulmonary tuberculosis often face delays in treatment. Contributing factors include being female, farmer, living in less developed areas, receiving referrals, and the years 2015-2019.