Factors determining family and social support among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Family support plays a vital role in the outcome of individuals with tuberculosis (TB). To determine the family and social support among individuals with pulmonary TB during treatment. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 237 pulmonary TB patients currently in the continuous phase of treatment. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the association and predictors for family and social support. P-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age of the respondents was 31.97±12.51years, and a majority (58.2%) of the respondents with TB disease were 18 to 38years old, and 59.9% were males. Around 49.7% of the pulmonary TB patients received a high level of family support, whereas 73% received a high level of social support. The determinants like age, average monthly income, the educational level of the head of the family and the occupational level of both the patients and the head of the family are associated with family support. This study recommends a coordinated strategy to treat TB that involves not only professional services but also the vital social support network of family and community that is required throughout therapy.