Integrating hepatitis and HIV point-of-care testing into mandatory migrant tuberculosis screening in the Netherlands: A feasibility and acceptability study.

OBJECTIVES

In the Netherlands, tuberculosis (TB) screening is mandatory for migrants from high incidence countries (>200 cases/100,000). These regions often have elevated rates of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV. The INTEGREAT-study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of integrating point-of-care testing (POCT) for these infections into existing TB screening, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

STUDY

DESIGN

A mixed-methods study design was used.

METHODS

This study offered POCT using finger-prick blood and a brief medical history questionnaire during the public health TB screening. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Qualitative data from four focus groups with healthcare workers evaluating implementation were deductively and inductively coded.

RESULTS

Of 293 eligible individuals, 231 (78.8 %) participated. Participants (51.1 % male, mean age 31.9 years) originated from India (27.7 %), South Africa (24.7 %), Pakistan (7.4 %), and other countries (40.2 %). Three participants (1.3 %) tested positive for HIV or HBV and were referred to care if appropriate. Most participants (90 %) preferred finger-prick POCT over venipuncture. Focus groups highlighted the importance of a clear protocol and skilled staff for successful implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of integrating POCT into TB screening, although the number of infections was low. Careful follow-up remains essential to ensure effective care.