Active Screening for Tuberculosis Among Street Sweepers in Ahmedabad City

Background & Aims: Primary aim of Active Case Finding (ACF) is to ensure that active TB is detected early to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes as well as help in reducing TB transmission. There is a paucity of literature about prevalence of Tuberculosis among street sweepers. WHO described a high risk group for TB but it doesn’t include street sweepers though we are considering them at risk of TB due to their occupational exposure. Hence, active case finding among street sweepers is done. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted for active case finding of TB among street sweepers of North zone Ahmedabad. Symptomatic screening of all sweepers done and sweepers having any of the symptoms was investigated further by Chest X-ray and Sputum Microscopy. Sweeper who was diagnosed positive for TB, treatment was initiated as per NTEP guidelines. Results: Total 1200 sweepers were there in the north zone. At stage 1 43.5 % dropped out. 56 (8.25%, CI: 6.15-10.35) were having Presumptive TB. 28 sweepers participated for further testing. 50% (56-28=28) dropped out at the second stage. One Confirmed TB patient was identified and put on Treatment. Conclusion: We could reach approximately 50% of the total sweepers and the reason behind the low turnout could be the unprecedented event of covid19. Huge drops out at different stages of the screening process indicates poor health seeking behaviour, fear etc so further work to be done in this direction. Emphasis on usage of personal protective gears need to be given. Keywords: Presumptive TB, tobacco, personal protective gears.