Historically, Massachusetts and other states have focused on tertiary prevention of tuberculosis - the control of active cases of TB disease (albeit with primary prevention consequences). Massachusetts currently has a 95 percent treatment completion rate, leading to the opportunity to address secondary prevention needs, i.e. reducing the progression from infection to disease, with the goal of TB elimination.
Though much can be learned from community-based prevention efforts aimed at HIV, Hepatitis B, and other infectious diseases, tuberculosis infection is unique in that it has no behavioral risk-taking component that can be targeted. After examining the prevention efforts of other diseases and adapting them to fit TB, the Division undertook both a paradigm shift and a new project. The Community-Based TB Prevention Project aims to reduce the number of people at risk of developing TB disease and to build the TB infrastructure among traditionally underserved groups while empowering diverse communities to take ownership of their health.
In Massachusetts, there are 14 high risk communities that house the majority of cases of TB disease. Within these, the highest risk groups are persons born outside of the United States. Two communities were chosen as pilot sites for the Project.
The underpinning of the Project is that communities at highest risk must be involved at every stage of TB prevention and control. Through the formation of action groups, communities are responsible for creating an intervention, implementing it, and assisting in a comprehensive evaluation.
Preliminary results of the implementation of the pilot projects will be presented.
Learning Objectives: During this session, the faculty will discuss the planning and implementation phases of a community-based tuberculosis prevention program for diverse communities. Additionally, faculty will present techniques, strategies, and tools for the development of a community-based tuberculosis prevention project
Keywords: Community Collaboration, Tuberculosis
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.