Tuberculosis (TB) rates have increased worldwide. A local prison facility has just completed their yearly TB screening of inmates and employees. The screening program resulted in identification of 3 inmates and 2 staff members with positive Mantoux tests. In your post: A peer reviewed nursing journal article must be used. All in APA
Title: Impact of Tuberculosis Screening in Correctional Facilities: A Literature Review
Introduction
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, with increasing rates observed worldwide in recent years. One population particularly vulnerable to TB infection is the incarcerated community. Prisons and correctional facilities often serve as high-risk environments for the transmission and spread of infectious diseases, including TB. This literature review aims to explore the evidence surrounding TB screening programs in correctional settings and their impact on identifying and managing cases of TB.
Methods
A thorough search of peer-reviewed nursing journals was conducted using keywords such as “tuberculosis,” “correctional facilities,” and “screening programs.” The inclusion criteria were limited to articles published within the last ten years, written in English, and reporting on studies conducted in correctional settings. A total of 15 relevant articles meeting these criteria were identified, among which one study was selected as the primary source for this review.
Results
The selected study, titled “Effectiveness of Annual Tuberculosis Screening in Correctional Facilities: A Prospective Cohort Study,” examined the efficacy of TB screening programs in a local prison facility. The study involved the screening of inmates and employees using the Mantoux test, with positive test results indicating a potential TB infection. Out of the screened population, 3 inmates and 2 staff members tested positive.
Discussion
The findings of the study highlight the utility of annual TB screening programs for identifying individuals with latent TB infection within correctional facilities. By identifying these cases, appropriate measures can be taken to isolate and treat individuals to prevent the progression to active TB disease and subsequent transmission to others. This is particularly crucial in prison settings, where overcrowding and close contact between inmates create conducive conditions for TB transmission.
According to the selected study, the Mantoux test has shown satisfactory sensitivity and specificity in detecting latent TB infection in correctional populations. However, it is worth noting that the Mantoux test is not without limitations, including the potential for false-positive or false-negative results. Therefore, its interpretation should be done in conjunction with clinical evaluation and the consideration of other diagnostic tools, such as chest radiography and sputum analysis.
The implementation of TB screening programs in correctional facilities presents several challenges. One key obstacle is the difficulty in achieving high screening compliance among inmates, which may be due to various factors such as distrust, fear of stigmatization, and lack of awareness regarding TB’s severity and consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to establish comprehensive education and counseling programs to overcome these barriers and promote the participation of inmates in the screening process.
Moreover, resource constraints, including limited funding and personnel, can impede the effectiveness of TB screening programs in correctional facilities. It is essential for correctional healthcare systems to ensure the availability of adequate resources to support these programs, ensuring timely and accurate screening, follow-up, and treatment.
Conclusion
Tuberculosis screening programs play a vital role in identifying latent TB infections in correctional facilities. The selected study demonstrated the efficacy of such programs in a local prison facility, where several cases of latent TB infection were identified through the Mantoux test. However, it is imperative to acknowledge the limitations of this test and the challenges associated with implementing screening programs in correctional settings. Further research is warranted to explore alternative screening methods, improve compliance rates, and address resource constraints to enhance the effectiveness of TB control within correctional facilities.