Tuberculosis mortality: quantifying agreement in clinical cause of death assessments

Abstract

Objectives: Mortality is a key statistic for public health globally, and mortality reduction is a key target of ‘End TB’ strategy. However, cause of death in relation to tuberculosis (TB) may be controversial, and we aimed to evaluate classification in Australia. Methods: We surveyed Australian clinicians and public health officers, presenting a variety of scenarios. Respondents were asked to classify each scenario with regards to whether TB was considered causative, contributory or not related to death. Results: Fifty-nine individuals completed the survey. Respondents were experienced TB clinicians and public health officers (median 14 years of TB care experience), with a majority having re..