RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

PRecision biomArker-Guided MAnagement of TuberculosIs Contacts: a Discrete Choice Experiment

This study is part of a larger project aiming to find better ways to identify who would benefit most from taking medicine to prevent tuberculosis (TB). This particular study focuses on understanding what influences people's decisions about starting this preventative treatment. We want to know what factors are important to patients when they consider taking medication to stop them from getting sick with TB in the future. To do this, we'll talk to people in interviews and then use that information to create a survey. The survey will help us understand more broadly how people weigh up the benefits of treatment against any potential concerns. Ultimately, the goal is to make sure preventive TB care is offered in a way that truly meets people's needs and preferences.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

430

Start

22 May 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Tuberculosis (TB)

What is this study about?

This research is looking into how people make decisions about taking medicine to prevent tuberculosis (TB). TB is a serious infection, and sometimes doctors suggest preventive treatment to people who have been near someone with TB or who are at higher risk. This study is trying to understand what matters most to you when faced with this choice.

First, the researchers will talk to about 30 people in detailed one-on-one interviews. They want to hear about your thoughts, concerns, and what you consider important when deciding whether to start preventive TB treatment. These interviews will help them understand the real-life factors that influence your decisions.

Next, the information gathered from these interviews will be used to create a special type of survey. This survey, called a "discrete choice experiment," will help the researchers understand how people balance different aspects of preventive treatment. For example, it might look at how you weigh the chance of getting sick with TB in the future against the time commitment or potential side effects of taking preventive medicine. The overall aim is to make sure that future ways of offering preventive TB treatment are designed with patients' actual needs and preferences in mind.

Key takeaways

This study wants to learn about your choices regarding TB prevention.
It involves sharing your views in an interview or survey, not taking medicine.
Your input helps improve future TB care for others.
You only need to be 18 or older and have had or are offered a TB test.
Participation is voluntary and confidential.
It's a short time commitment, with no follow-up needed.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are 18 years old or older.

Specifically, you need to be someone who has either already been tested for a hidden (latent) TB infection, or you are someone who is currently being considered for this test as part of your routine medical care. This often includes people who have recently arrived in the UK from countries where TB is more common (within the last 5 years), or those who have been in close contact with someone who has active TB disease. It also includes people who are about to start medicines that might weaken their immune system, or those who get tested through their work.

You would not be able to join if you are unable to understand the study and give your agreement to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or over?
Have you been tested for hidden TB infection, or are you going to be tested soon?
Can you understand the study information and agree to take part?
Have you recently moved to the UK from a country with more TB (within 5 years)?
Have you been in close contact with someone who has TB?
Are you about to start medicines that affect your immune system, or do you have work-related TB screening?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your involvement would be quite straightforward. You would be asked to participate in either a one-on-one interview or complete a survey. The interviews would involve a conversation with a researcher, where you would share your thoughts and opinions about making decisions regarding preventive TB treatment. This would likely take place at a convenient location, such as a clinic or even over the phone or video call, and would probably last for an hour or so, depending on how much you have to share. If you are asked to complete a survey, it would involve answering a series of questions. There are no medications involved in this study, no extra doctors' visits, and no follow-up appointments required after you've completed your interview or survey. The total duration of your involvement would be limited to either your interview or the time it takes to complete the survey.

Potential risks and benefits

The benefits of taking part in this study are indirect. Your input will help doctors and healthcare providers better understand what matters to patients regarding preventive TB treatment. This could lead to better ways of offering care in the future. There are no direct medical benefits to you. The risks are very low; mainly, it's the time commitment for the interview or survey. Your privacy will be protected, and your answers will be kept confidential. Remember, taking part is completely voluntary, and you are free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care in any way.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Whittington Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is TB?

TB (Tuberculosis) is a serious infection, usually of the lungs, caused by bacteria. It can be treated with medicines.

What is 'preventive treatment' for TB?

Preventive treatment means taking medicine to stop you from developing active TB if you've been exposed to it or have a hidden (latent) infection.

Will I have to take any medicine in this study?

No, this study is only about understanding your opinions and decisions. You will not be given any medicine to take as part of this research.

How long will I be involved if I join?

Your involvement would be very short – just the time it takes for a single interview (about an hour) or to complete one survey.

Will my GP know I'm in the study?

Your involvement is confidential. Information you provide will not be shared with your GP unless you specifically ask for it, and it will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Rishi K Gupta, PhD

r.gupta@ucl.ac.uk 020 3549 5979 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.