Determinants of patient delay for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Batanghari Regency in 2026

Abstract

Patient delay in seeking initial medical help significantly impacts tuberculosis (TB) control program burdens, transmission risks, and mortality rates. Fluctuating TB cases in Batanghari Regency from 2023 through 2025 highlight the need to evaluate determinants of patient delay. To identify the determinants of patient delay in pulmonary TB cases in Batanghari Regency in 2026. This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in hospitals and Community Health Centers (Puskesmas) across Batanghari Regency during February and March 2026. From a target population of N = 295 TB patients, a final analyzed sample of n = 120 was selected via cluster sampling. Data analysis comprised univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression using the Enter method. Multivariate analysis identified behavior as the primary determinant of patient delay, supported by the highest Wald statistic (12.741, p < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratio (OR = 246.180, 95% CI: 11.974–5061.425) indicates that respondents with high-risk behavior had 246.18 times higher odds of patient delay compared to the reference group, controlling for confounding variables. Patient-seeking behavior is the core driver of patient delay. Cross-sectoral regulatory reinforcement—specifically tracking and referring repeat over-the-counter cough medicine buyers—is urgently required.