Introduction : TB is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Delayed and and incomplete treatments sustain the epidemic. This study aimed to assess the delay of diagnosis of TB; to describe patient health care seeking; and to analyze treatment adherence, in a context of high endemicity. Method : A questionnaire survey was conducted in N'Djamena and Moundou hospitals. 286 newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients were interviewed. Medical records completed the data. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with the outcomes. Statistical analyzes were performed using SAS 9.2 software. Results : Informal care were used by 41% of patients. Median patient delay, median health system delay and median total delay were respectively 15 days, 36 days and 57.5 days. A third of patients discontinued the treatment. Low income, low educational level, the site of treatment and poor knowledge of TB were associated with longer delays, use of informal care and treatment interruption. Conclusion : The delay of TB diagnosis is too long and a poor treatment adherence was observed. Reducing the financial impact of TB care and health education may improve use of TB care
