1376. Physician Practice Patterns for Screening and Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in the South Asian Population in Central New Jersey

BACKGROUND: New Jersey (NJ) has a significant burden of tuberculosis (TB) cases (ranked 8th in the United States) and 22% of the cases are among foreign-born (FB) individuals. We have approximately 33% FB residents in our targeted counties in Central NJ of whom 43% are originally from high TB burden areas of South Asia. Central NJ is home to the county with the second highest TB case rate in NJ. Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment remains a key component of the World Health Organization TB elimination strategy. We sought to survey community physicians about their LTBI screening and treatment practices in South Asian (SA) patients. METHODS: An IRB-approved anonymous survey was distributed online to practicing staff physicians at local hospitals over a 2-month period. The primary outcome measure was whether physicians appropriately screen for LTBI. A secondary outcome measure was whether follow-up after medication initiation was provided. Predictors measured included: age, gender, self -identification of physician as SA, years in practice, and if they were a foreign medical graduate (FMG). Descriptive statistics were provided using counts and proportions. Chi-square tests were used for bivariate analyses to look for factors associated with LTBI screening and treatment. RESULTS: A total of 218 physicians responded to the survey; of whom, 137 identified themselves as primary care physicians (i.e., pediatrics (62%), internal medicine (30%), or family medicine (8%)). About half of them were FMG and 40% identify themselves as SA. Three out of four of these physicians (n = 101) indicated they routinely screen their patients for LTBI. Bivariate analyses using chi-square did not find any statistically significant associations with LTBI screening. A quarter of the physicians screened with an IGRA and 60% reported always offering treatment for LTBI. Isoniazid was the most common medication prescribed. A majority of respondents did not report prescribing Rifampin or Rifapentine. Follow-up after initiation of treatment was provided at least every other month by 52.7% of physicians. CONCLUSION: There is wide variability in LTBI screening, treatment, and follow-up among our physician sample. Physicians have not yet adopted newer treatment regimens suggesting the need for an educational intervention. DISCLOSURES: All authors: No reported disclosures.