@article {Minetti:2010:1027-3719:1589,
title = "Tuberculosis treatment in a refugee and migrant population: 20 years of experience on the Thai-Burmese border",
journal = "The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease",
parent_itemid = "infobike://iuatld/ijtld",
publishercode ="iuatld",
year = "2010",
volume = "14",
number = "12",
publication date ="2010-12-01T00:00:00",
pages = "1589-1595",
itemtype = "ARTICLE",
issn = "1027-3719",
eissn = "1815-7920",
url = "https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/iuatld/ijtld/2010/00000014/00000012/art00017",
keyword = "refugees, tuberculosis treatment, Thailand, migrants",
author = "Minetti, A. and Camelique, O. and Hsa Thaw, K. and Thi, S. and Swaddiwudhipong, W. and Hewison, C. and Pinoges, L. and Bonnet, M. and Guerin, P. J.",
abstract = "SETTING: Although tuberculosis (TB) is a curable disease, it remains a major global health problem and an important cause of morbidity and mortality among vulnerable populations, including refugees and migrants.OBJECTIVE: To describe results and experiences over 20 years at a TB programme in refugee camps on the Thai-Burmese border in Tak Province, Thailand, and to identify risk factors associated with adverse outcomes (e.g., default, failure, death).DESIGN: Retrospective review of routine records of 2425 patients admitted for TB treatment in the Mae La TB programme between May 1987 and December 2005.RESULTS: TB cases notified among refugees decreased over 20 years. Among patients treated with a first-, second- or third-line regimen, 77.5% had a successful outcome, 13.5% defaulted, 7.6% died and 1.3% failed treatment. Multivariate analysis for new cases showed higher likelihood of adverse outcomes for patients who were Burmese migrants or Thai villagers, male, aged >15 years or with smear-negative pulmonary TB.CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that treatment outcomes depend on the programme's capacity to respond to specific patients' constraints. High-risk groups, such as migrant populations, need a patient-centred approach, and specific, innovative strategies have to be developed based on the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalised populations.",
}