Cristhel Temoxtle Rose Hills
Identifying Patient Barriers to Latent TB Treatment for Prevention
Tuberculosis (TB) is a preventable but persistent public health threat that disproportionately affects unhoused individuals, immigrants, and immunocompromised populations. Most people infected with TB have a latent (dormant) form of the disease, meaning they are non-contagious and show no symptoms, yet without treatment, latent TB can progress into a life-threatening active infection. Despite effective treatments being available, many patients face significant barriers to care, including poverty, stigma, language needs, and limited access to health services. This project, conducted in partnership with the Berkeley Free Clinic, uses patient surveys to identify the structural, informational, and healthcare-access barriers that prevent individuals from starting and completing latent TB treatment. Building on preliminary findings, this research will expand patient education materials into multiple languages, develop a patient advocacy framework, and strengthen follow-up care strategies. Ultimately, this work aims to translate patient reported experiences into actionable, community centered interventions that reduce TB transmission and improve health outcomes in underserved populations.
Message To Sponsor
As a first-generation, low-income Latina and Indigenous aspiring physician, this research feels deeply personal. I'm not only investigating barriers to TB care, but doing so as a member of the communities most affected by this disease. Having the opportunity to conduct meaningful clinical work is an incredible privilege. I'm profoundly grateful for your generosity in making this project possible.