Assessment of the role of primary health care in tuberculosis control in Serbia

Abstract

At the onset of the 21st century, tuberculosis is still a public health problem. Due to the implementation of tuberculosis control program in Serbia, there is no fear of an epidemic. Within the reform of the health care system, the service for pulmonary diseases is being restructured, calling for strengthening the role of primary health care. This study was aimed at analyzing the current role of primary health care in tuberculosis control. A cross-sectional study was conducted between the 12th and 30th September, 2010. For evaluating the current role of primary health care in tuberculosis control, four questionnaires were designed based on the "Performance assessment questionnaire regarding TB control for use in PHC", Journal Brasileiro de Pneumologia, print version ISSN 1806-3713 (vol. 35, no 6, Sao Paulo, June 2009). The following methods were used to analyze the results: descriptive statistical analysis, Student's T-test, Fisher's analysis of variance. The reliability of the results was tested with Cronbach's alpha and factor analysis. The level of significance in all the methods bordered 0.05. Primary health care does not participate in tuberculosis control in line with the possibilities of the existing legal framework. Although the paper proves that tuberculosis notification rate is higher in the areas less covered by the pneumophysiological service, the role of primary health care does not differ from the areas fully covered. There is a need for strategic empowerment of the primary health care system to be actively involved in the diagnostics. treatment and follow up of tuberculosis in Serbia.