To analyze the status and influencing factors of medical care-seeking delay among tuberculosis patients in Zhuhai from 2005 to 2024, and to provide a basis for optimizing TB prevention and control strategies.

Information on registered PTB in Zhuhai from 2005 to 2024 was collected. A descriptive analysis was conducted on the characteristics of medical care-seeking delay. The Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trend of delay, and unconditional logistic regression was employed to analyze its influencing factors.

A total of 21 772 PTB cases were registered in Zhuhai from 2005 to 2024, with an overall delay rate of 33.73%. Comparative analysis showed statistically significant differences in delay rates among patients of different ethnicities, ages, occupations, household registration types, sources of patients, treatment categories, diagnostic results, and etiological test results (P<0.05). Compared with individuals under 25 years old, those aged 25-64 (OR=1.158, 95%CI: 1.068-1.256) and those aged 65 and above (OR=1.301, 95%CI:1.151-1.471) were at higher risk of delayed medical care-seeking. Factors associated with an increased risk of delay included local household registration (OR=1.303, 95%CI: 1.226-1.384), retreatment patients (OR=2.074, 95%CI: 1.907-2.257), tuberculous pleurisy (OR=1.508, 95%CI: 1.292-1.760), and bacteriologically positive TB (OR=1.207, 95%CI: 1.137-1.282). Protective factors against delay included active case finding (OR=0.413, 95% CI: 0.335-0.507), working in public places or commercial services (OR=0.803, 95%CI: 0.665-0.969), and being retired or unemployed (OR=0.818, 95%CI: 0.699-0.958).

The rate of delayed medical care-seeking among tuberculosis patients in Zhuhai is relatively high. Efforts should be made to improve the accessibility of medical services, enhance health education on PTB, and conduct active screening for key populations in order to further reduce the delay in seeking medical attention.