Exploring how location affects access to tuberculosis services in cities
Official title: Understanding and addressing geographic barriers to accessing TB services in a high-burden urban setting
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11007196 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the difficulties people living in cities face when trying to get help for tuberculosis (TB), especially how distance to health clinics affects their ability to get diagnosed and treated, so we can find better ways to make healthcare more accessible for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $562,047 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI168424-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007196 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in urban settings who have been diagnosed with tuberculosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in rural areas or those not diagnosed with tuberculosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the challenges faced by individuals in urban areas when trying to access tuberculosis (TB) services. It focuses on understanding how geographic barriers, such as distance to health facilities, impact the diagnosis and treatment of TB. By utilizing patient surveys and advanced modeling techniques, the study aims to identify specific access barriers and develop targeted interventions to improve healthcare access for those affected by TB. The goal is to enhance the overall effectiveness of TB treatment in high-burden urban settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to TB diagnosis and treatment for patients living in urban areas.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing geographic barriers can significantly improve access to healthcare services, suggesting that this approach may yield positive results.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jenkins, Helen E. — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Jenkins, Helen E.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.