2nd Edition of Preventive Medicine World Conference 2026

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with a disproportionate burden in low- and middle-income countries. Despite intensified control efforts, TB case detection remains suboptimal in many settings, including Ghana. This study examined the determinants of low TB case detection in rural health facilities in Ghana.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 633 participants chosen through multistage sampling across rural health facilities in Ghana. Data were collected through structured questionnaire was and analysed using SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression were employed to examine association between socio-demographic characteristics, health-seeking behaviours and TB case detection.

Results: Awareness of TB was high (95%), with most participants correctly identifying key symptoms such as persistent cough, weight loss, hemoptysis, and chest pain. However, misconceptions persisted, with 25% attributed TB symptom to conditions such as HIV/AIDS or common cold. Delays in seeking care were common, alongside a preference for informal healthcare providers. Key predictors of low TB case detection included lower educational attainment, old age, longer distance to health facilities and initial consultation with non-formal providers.

Conclusion: Although general awareness of TB is high in rural Ghana, persistent misconceptions and health system barriers contributed to delayed diagnosis and low case detection. Strengthening community-based health education, improving access to diagnostic services and integrating informal providers into TB control strategies are critical to enhancing early detection and control.