An Assessment of Knowledge and Practices of Non Allopathic Practitioners in a District of Central India

Abstract

Background: Non- allopathic practitioners are the major service providers especially in rural and peri-urban areas. Their awareness about the signs, symptoms and management of TB is also crucial. Objectives: To assess the knowledge of sign and symptoms of TB and its management To assess the practicing pattern regarding tuberculosis Material and method: The present was carried out among the registered non allopathic practitioners providing their services in Gwalior District during the study period. A total of 150 non allopathic practitioners of various pathies from both Government and Private Sectors were interviewed using a pre-designed, pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. The information was collected on the knowledge about signs and symptoms of TB and its management and practices commonly adopted in the management Result: The average score of government practitioners was 7.3 compared to 4.6 by private practitioners. On detail analysis of question related to the knowledge about signs, symptoms and management of TB patients. It was noted that government practitioners relied mostly on sputum examination for diagnosis and follow up compared to private practitioners who chose other modalities like X-ray, blood examination or this work. Conclusion: The present study concludes that since the non allopathic practitioners’ plays a vital role in providing health care especially in rural and peri urban areas, their involvement in any tuberculosis programme is also important.