Household economic burden and catastrophic expenditures in non-resistant tuberculosis patients: cross-sectional survey in Guizhou, China

The economic burden imposed on households by tuberculosis patients in the province remains considerable, with the indirect burden accounting for the lion's share. The likelihood of catastrophic expenditures persists, significantly influenced by factors such as poverty, hospitalization, delayed diagnoses, and before diagnosis visits. Recommendations include reinforcing targeted public health education, enhancing the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of medical institutions, regulating their practices, curbing unnecessary hospitalizations, and instituting a long-term framework aimed at alleviating the indirect economic burden. By doing so, we can collaboratively diminish the economic strain on patients and mitigate the risk of catastrophic expenditures, ultimately striving for the achievement of zero catastrophic expenditures among households.