Delays among Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme in North India

Dr. Akshay kumar; Dr. Naveen Krishan Goel; Dr. Dinesh Kumar Walia; Dr. Sonia Puri; Dr. Ashok Kumar Janmeja

Volume : VI, Issue : VIII, August - 2016

Delays among Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme in North India

Dr. Akshay Kumar, Dr. Naveen Krishan Goel, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Walia, Dr. Sonia Puri, Dr. Ashok Kumar Janmeja

Abstract :

Background: Delay in diagnosis of tuberculosis causes spread of infection in the community. Such delay may occur at the level of the patient or at the level of the health system. It is important to identify and address these factors in order to achieve the goal of the RNTCP (Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme). Objectives: To find the extent of delay in diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis patients and to identify the various correlates for the delay. Methods: A cross–sectional survey of 500 (31.8%) new smear–positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients out of 1573 who registered during this period of study. All 17 Designated Microscopic Centres (DMC) under RNTCP in Chandigarh (a Union Territory, in the northern part of India) were included. Results: There were 314 (62.8%) male and 186 (37.2%) female patients. Mean and median of age (years) were 31.74 ±13.24 and 28 respectively. Mean and median of patient delay (in days) were 14.52 ± 10.74 and 12 respectively. Considering ≥30 days as patient’s delay, 97 (19.4%) patients delayed in seeking health care treatment from HCP (Health Care Practitioner). Considering >7 days as health system delay (diagnosis delay + treatment delay), 427 (85.4%) patients had health system delay. Mean health system delay (days) was 17.98 ± 11.10 and median was 16 days. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that, there is a need to increase awareness in the community about tuberculosis symptoms, with more focus among migratory population. There should be collaboration between government and private practitioner for effective referral.