An epidemiological study of newly diagnosed sputum positive tuberculosis patients in Dhubri district, Assam, India and the factors influencing their compliance to treatment

• Published in: Journal of natural science, biology and medicine Vol. 5; no. 2; pp. 415 - 420
• Main Authors: Zaman, Forhad, Sheikh, Samuel, Das, Kushal, Zaman, Gaffar, Pal, Ranabir
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications Pvt Ltd 01.07.2014; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd
• Subjects: Care and treatment; Evaluation; Medical case management; Medical research; Medicine, Experimental; Original; Patient compliance; Tuberculosis; India; new smear positive; Defaulter; tuberculosis
• ISSN: 0976-9668; 2229-7707
• DOI: 10.4103/0976-9668.136213

Context: Tuberculosis (TB) affects the economically productive age group and has emerged as a disease of significant socio-economic global burden. Aims: The aim of this study is to identify epidemiological factors responsible for TB and the clinico-social correlates influencing their compliance. Subjects and Methods: All new smear positive TB (NSP-TB) patients registered in Dhubri District Tuberculosis Center-Tuberculosis Unit during 2007 in Assam were included in this study. The study was performed by interview technique using a pre-tested questionnaire. Results: Nearly 90.76% of the participants were in the age group of 15-55 years and were predominantly unskilled workers and sole earning member of their family. 83.33% of the patients had symptoms of cough for more than 3 weeks and most of them (98.15%) lived in overcrowded houses. More than half of the patients had X-ray examination as their initial approach to diagnosis. More males (59.18%) than females (40.82%) reported to the health institution within first 6 weeks after the onset of symptom and among them 91.84% were declared cured after completion of therapy and while, only 40% of the patients initiating treatment after 6 weeks of the onset of symptoms were declared cured after completion of therapy. Conclusions: The prevalence of NSP-TB cases was more among the illiterate and underprivileged population who needs counseling and motivation for early intervention.