Awareness regarding various aspects of TB among the registered TB patients and their caretakers in Tirunelveli district

Dr Praveena Daya A; Dr Karthikeyan G

Volume : VII, Issue : III, March - 2018

Awareness regarding various aspects of TB among the registered TB patients and their caretakers in Tirunelveli district

Dr Praveena Daya A, Dr Karthikeyan G

Abstract :

Background:

Tuberculosis continues to be a major public health problem in India. Awareness among the general population plays a main role in early identification, early treatment initiation, compliance to drugs and prevention of transmission of the disease.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 25 TB patients registered for DOTS in two Primary Health Centres of Tirunelveli District and one caretaker of each TB patient using a predesigned pretested questionnaire to assess the awareness of TB patients and their caretakers regarding various aspects of TB.

Results:

Among the study subjects, 56% were aware of infective etiology of TB, 84% were aware of cough etiquettes, 68% were aware of sputum disposal methods. Awareness regarding importance of compliance to ATT and curability of the disease was found to be less, 28% and 32%. Among the 25 caretakers, only 10 were aware about the correct symptoms of TB, only 11 out of 25 were aware regarding the airborne spread and only 12 out of 25 felt it can be cured with MDT

Conclusion:

Awareness regarding causation, mode of spread and curability of TB was low among both patients and their caretakers. Role of health care providers need to be emphasized more in improving awareness among them.