Results of Active Case Finding among the Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians Minority Group in Peja municipality
Session
Medicine and Nursing
Description
Passive case finding remains the principal strategy for tuberculosis (TB) detection in Kosovo under the WHO-recommended DOTS framework. The National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) policy forsees, the active case finding (ACF) strategy to be applied among high-risk populations. Objective: To assess the additional value of ACF implemented among RAE minority population in Peja municipality. Methods: The community nurses conducted household surveys in the municipality of Peja, where approximately 3,836 RAE residents live. Symptom based screening was conducted among adult household members regarding TB history, symptoms, and risk factors. Individuals reporting at least one TB-related symptom and a history of TB contact plus one or more risk factors were classified as TB suspects and referred for diagnostic evaluation. Results: In total 936 adults were surveyed, 67 (7.1%) met the TB-suspect criteria; 32 (48%) presented for evaluation. Of those, two cases (6.2%) were diagnosed, one with smear-positive TB and one with smear-negative TB. All cases were previously managed within the National TB Programme (NTP). Conclusion: Active case finding among these minority groups did not reveal additional new TB cases, suggesting that passive case detection within the existing NTP framework effectively captures most TB cases in Kosovo. Better follow-up of referred TB suspects could improve case detection.
Keywords:
Tuberculosis; Active case finding; Minorities; Peja; National TB Programme
ISBN
978-9951-982-41-2
Location
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
Start Date
25-10-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
26-10-2025 6:00 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.383
Recommended Citation
Kurhasani, Xhevat, "Results of Active Case Finding among the Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians Minority Group in Peja municipality" (2025). UBT International Conference. 28.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2025UBTIC/MN/28
Results of Active Case Finding among the Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians Minority Group in Peja municipality
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
Passive case finding remains the principal strategy for tuberculosis (TB) detection in Kosovo under the WHO-recommended DOTS framework. The National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) policy forsees, the active case finding (ACF) strategy to be applied among high-risk populations. Objective: To assess the additional value of ACF implemented among RAE minority population in Peja municipality. Methods: The community nurses conducted household surveys in the municipality of Peja, where approximately 3,836 RAE residents live. Symptom based screening was conducted among adult household members regarding TB history, symptoms, and risk factors. Individuals reporting at least one TB-related symptom and a history of TB contact plus one or more risk factors were classified as TB suspects and referred for diagnostic evaluation. Results: In total 936 adults were surveyed, 67 (7.1%) met the TB-suspect criteria; 32 (48%) presented for evaluation. Of those, two cases (6.2%) were diagnosed, one with smear-positive TB and one with smear-negative TB. All cases were previously managed within the National TB Programme (NTP). Conclusion: Active case finding among these minority groups did not reveal additional new TB cases, suggesting that passive case detection within the existing NTP framework effectively captures most TB cases in Kosovo. Better follow-up of referred TB suspects could improve case detection.