Effectiveness of active case-finding strategies in tuberculosis control in Kampala, Uganda.

BACKGROUND Passive case finding (PCF) is the strategy implemented by most developing countries to detect new cases of tuberculosis (TB), but detection rates remain low. Active case finding (ACF) is an alternative strategy, although cost is a barrier to implementation. We estimated the cost-effectiveness of a city-wide ACF programme in Kampala, Uganda, compared to the PCF strategy. METHODS We developed a decision tree and Markov model to compare ACF vs. PCF across several outcome measures. Parameter estimates for costs, probabilities and utility scores were obtained from published reports and peer-reviewed journal articles. The main outcome measures were TB cases detected, deaths averted, life years saved (LYS) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). RESULTS Our model found that ACF implemented city-wide would result in an additional 1594 TB cases detected in 1 year, 675 deaths averted over a 5-year period, 21,928 LYS, and would cost an additional US$109 per additional QALY. The 25-34 year age group received most health benefits (556 cases detected, 229 deaths averted, 8058 LYS), and the programme was most cost-effective in the 45-54 year age group (US$51/QALY). CONCLUSIONS ACF is an effective strategy for TB control and improving quality of life and is also cost-effective.