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The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of symptomatic respiratory (SR) cases in the Peruvian population aged 15 years and over between 2013 and 2015. A secondary analysis of the Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) was carried out. The subjects of the study were people aged 15 years and over who answered these interview questions: Do you currently have a cough with phlegm? How long have you had a cough with phlegm? People who had had a cough and phlegm for 15 days or more were defined as having SR. The prevalence of SR was 3.3% in 2013 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.8-3.9%), 3.8% in 2014 (95% CI: 3.5-4.1%), and 3.3% in 2015 (95% CI: 3.0-3.6%). The prevalence of SR was greater than 5% in people aged 60 years and over, in people in the poorest quintile, and in residents of rural areas. We conclude that 3-4% of Peruvian people aged 15 years and over report cough with phlegm for =15 days. The proportion with SR varies according to the region of the country. It is recommended that the expected number of symptomatic SR cases be assessed and that Peruvian healthcare be adjusted as necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An operational study was conducted to evaluate the tuberculosis detection indicators established in the Technical Standard for Comprehensive Care of Persons Affected by Tuberculosis. Three networks of first level of care facilities with very high risk of tuberculosis transmission from the Tacna region were selected. Using the registry of respiratory symptomatic patients, we analyzed 14,595 respiratory symptomatic subjects (RSS), of which we examined (ExRSS) 14,486 (99.3%). Of the total of ExRSS, 1.5% were BK (+).The average direct smears per RSS was 2.0 and search intensity (ratio between RSS and number of health care visits in more than 15 years) was 2.8%. Males were more likely to have at least one positive smear compared to women, OR 2.0 (95% CI: 1.5 to 2.6). It is concluded that the diagnostic performance of direct smears in respiratory symptomatic subjects is low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selection of the priority tuberculosis (TB) research topics in Peru occurred in three stages: a literature review of TB research findings and information in Peru; proposal of the most important topics by 31 key investigators identified through 233 articles published between 1981 and 2011,16 (48.5%) of the 33 regional coordinators of the National Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Strategy, and influential 16 academics and officials in the area of TB; and a participatory workshop attended by 103 health professionals and officials grouped under 10 thematic discussion groups. Of the 49 research topics identified in the second stage of the process, the 30 most important ones for Peru were selected and prioritized during the workshop. These topics, selected through this inclusive, transparent, and participatory methodology, became the National Tuberculosis Research Agenda in Peru for 2011-2014. These results should help to improve TB control strategies in the country and optimize the use of financial and human resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]