Analysis on delay in seeking medical treatment and influencing factors among students with tuberculosis in Wuhan,China during 2012－2023

Abstract Delay in seeking medical treatment is a significant factor hindering the target process of ending tuberculosis, worsening patient health and increasing transmission risk. We evaluated delay in seeking medical treatment among PTB students in Wuhan registered in NTBIMS during 2012-2023. Among 4,517 pulmonary TB student patients, 61.81%(2,792/4,517) were males, with a median age of 19 (IQR, 17,21) years. The median time for students to seek medical treatment was 11 days (IQR, 5,21) and 38.54% (1,741/4,517) students waited over 14 days after symptom onset. Delay trends in seeking medical treatment among students remained relatively stable except during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bivariable logistic analysis showed higher delay risks among students who were aged 6།11, Non-Han Chinese, from far urban areas, tracking patient source and sputum bacteria positive or tuberculous pleurisy patients. Non-Han Chinese patients (RR = 2.009),track source patients (RR = 1.916) and sputum bacteria positive patients (RR = 1.193)were key influencing factors. Delay in seeking medical treatment among students is still common in China.Enhanced health education, daily symptom screening, and case diagnosis verification and tracking is crucial for mitigating delay in seeking medical treatment, Future research should focus on a collaborative School–Family–Disease Control center approach, and evaluating the effectiveness of tailored interventions to improve T'B control strategies for schools.