Preferences for treatment for latent tuberculosis infection in primary care among people in the United States at increased risk of tuberculosis: a pilot survey

Objectives Tuberculosis (TB) in the United States disproportionately affects non-U.S.-born individuals. While testing this population for TB infection is recommended, little is known about individuals' willingness to take treatment for latent TB infection (LTBI). To address this gap, we conducted a pilot preference survey among individuals from countries with high TB incidence. Design Cross-sectional survey supported by language concordant community health workers. Setting Federally qualified health center, serving a primarily Asian immigrant community, in San Francisco. Participants Adults eligible for risk-based LTBI testing based on place of birth seeking primary care. Outcome measures Perspectives on TB disease, risk of reinfection, and willingness to accept treatment if diagnosed with LTBI conditional on different factors, such as side effects, costs, and other treatment burden. Results Among 60 participants, the median age was 48 years (interquartile range 35-63 years), 52% were women, and 100% spoke Chinese. Infecting others (n=35, 58%), risk of death (n=30, 50%), and potential isolation (n=25, 42%) were the most worrisome consequences of TB disease. Reinfection risk, risk of liver damage, cost, TB progression risk, clinic visits, and blood draws were most often considered moderately or very important when deciding whether to take LTBI treatment (n=53 to 57, 88-95%). While most participants (n=56, 93%) were willing to take treatment if diagnosed with LTBI even at a 10-year TB progression risk below 1% and willing to accept a risk of liver damage (n=41, 68%), less than half would accept LTBI treatment if there were any associated cost (n=28, 47%). Finally, many participants had concerns about their reinfection risk after completing LTBI treatment (n=34, 57%). Conclusions Amongst surveyed participants, TB disease and its consequences such as hospitalization, death and infecting others were worrisome, and participants had a high level of willingness to take treatment if diagnosed with LTBI. Future assessments of how people weigh tradeoffs regarding LTBI diagnosis and treatment could inform interventions to increase LTBI treatment acceptance and completion.