Is it worth screening quarry workers for TB infection in high-incidence areas? A cost-benefit analysis

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Sousa, S (Author) Other; Carvalho, C (Author) Other; Santos, S (Author) Other; Alves, CM (Author) Other; Gonçalves, G (Author) Other; Álvaro Almeida (Author) FEP; Duarte, R (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Respiratory Medicine

Vol. 234

ISSN: 0954-6111

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-016-Z9Q

DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107807

Abstract (EN): Background: Tuberculosis (TB) infection screening of high-risk groups is an important strategy for achieving End TB targets. A TB infection screening program was implemented for quarry workers from a Portuguese highincidence area in 2018-2022. We aimed to calculate the cost-benefit of the screening program from the societal perspective. Methods: We calculated medical and non-medical direct and indirect screening costs and compared them with the cost savings from averted cases of TB disease. We estimated the number of potentially averted TB disease cases based on the risk of progression of TB infection to TB disease found in the literature. Results: During the screening program, 997 workers were screened. TB infection was diagnosed in 215 workers, 150 of those initiated preventive treatment. Screening program total costs were 136,295. Twenty-nine TB cases were potentially prevented, what would have costed 152,386. Savings of 16,091 were obtained (4516, 40898, and -29322 from the workers, employers, and NHS, respectively). Conclusions: The monetary benefit of a TB infection screening program directed to quarry workers in a highincidence area was greater than its cost. Companies and workers saved substantially more money. TB infection tests that are better predictors of progression to TB disease could reduce NHS costs.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5