Health and socio-demographic profile of paediatric tuberculosis patients on dots therapy in Ahmedabad city

Abstract

Background: Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of tuberculosis, which is often difficult to diagnose in young children and therefore difficult to treat effectively. Aims & Objectives: To study profile of pediatric TB patients who are on DOTS therapy in Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) area during April-June, 2011. Materials and Methods: This study was cross sectional study carried out in 100 pediatric patients of tuberculosis out of 197 registered during April 2011 to June 2011 from all TB units (10 units) in AMC area. Data analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: Out of 100 patients, 60 were female and 40 were male. Age range was 1-14 year. Mean age of children was 8.63 ± 3.66 years. Mean age of male patients was 9.36 ±3.16 years. Mean age of female patients was 7.53 ± 4.10 years. According to modified Prasad’s classification, 78% patients belonged to lower socioeconomic class. 94% patients were in Category-1 and 79% had extra pulmonary TB. 4% patients had HIV infection. Parents of 90% patients didn’t have knowledge of TB. 60% of patients preferred syrup formulation, if available. Conclusion: Apart from pharmacological treatment poor knowledge of Pediatric TB in Parents of patients also needs great attention.