DOTS Therapy Research Articles

Adherence to DOTS Therapy and its Impact on Quality of Life

A descriptive study “to assess the adherence to DOTS therapy and its impact on quality of life among clients registered at selected DOTS centers of Punjab”. The objectives of the study were to assess the adherence to DOTS therapy among patients who were registered at selected DOTS centers in Punjab, to identify the problems related to adherence among the patients, to assess the impact of DOTS therapy on the quality of life of patients registered at selected DOTS centers of Punjab, to assess the association between adherence to DOTS treatment and socio-demographic variables. A quantitative research approach was designed, and 100 subjects were selected through convenient sampling. The results of the study showed that the majority of the subjects (56%) were non-adhered, while 44% adhered to DOTS treatment. The results revealed that the majority of the subjects 74(74%), felt the unpleasant effects of medication, and 97(97%) felt weird on medication. While 83(83%) subjects felt negative feelings such as blue mood, despair, anxiety, and depression, the majority of the subjects 83(83%) were not satisfied with their health status. Findings revealed that the most affected domain of quality of life was the environment domain (21.41±2.68), physical domain (19.36±3.21), and psychological domain (16.31±1.87). Whereas the social domain is 7.60±1.66 lowest. The study emphasized the need to strengthen adherence to DOTS therapy among the subjects and then reduce the impact of tuberculosis on quality of life.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Pulmonary Tuberculosis and DOTs Therapy among Tuberculosis Patients Attending Tuberculosis O.P.D at Selected Hospitals in Bhiwani, Haryana

Background of the Study: Tuberculosis is a global public health issue despite the discovery of the causal bacterium over 100 years ago and availability of effective medications and vaccines for prevention and cure. Tuberculosis has a global incidence rate of 119 per lakh, with low-income nations bearing the major burden at 197 per lakh. High-income countries have nine per lakh people, while middle-income countries have 85. Eight out of ten tuberculosis patients are economically productive aged 15-49. It kills more adults than any other infectious disease. India has roughly one-third of the global tuberculosis load. Aim of the Study: The goal of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a planned education program on students' understanding of pulmonary tuberculosis and the DOTS treatment method. Methodology: This study examined how a comprehensive teaching program improved patients' understanding of pulmonary tuberculosis and DOTS therapy in the outpatient department (OPD) of selected hospitals in Bhiwani, Haryana. To attain the purpose, the researcher used pre-experimental study design. The study included 60 patients at the Directly Observed Therapy Short-course (DOTS) clinic in Bhiwani, Haryana. The researchers selected samples using convenience sampling. A structured knowledge questionnaire was used to collect data in this study. A group of tuberculosis patients provided data for ten days. The pre-test was given on May 17, 2021, before formal education began. Ten days later, the post-test was given. Data was processed and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The mean pre-test knowledge score was 9.45, with a 2.65 standard deviation. In the post-test, the mean score was 19.40 with a standard deviation of 1.86. The computed mean difference was 9.95. The paired 't' test yielded 24.60 with 59 degrees of freedom. A p-value of 0.01 indicated statistical significance.

The Analysis of The Effectiveness of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and HIV-Co-TB Treatment Therapies at Sulianti Saroso Infectious Diseases Hospital

Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes Tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease. The study aims to evaluate DOTS therapy's impact on pulmonary TB and TB-HIV patients. This research used a descriptive qualitative study design with a retrospective descriptive research approach using secondary data for the period June 2017 to July 2020. The analysis uses the Miles and Huberman model. A study of 305 people found that 83% of pulmonary TB cases completed treatment within the initial phase, 64% completed the continuation phase. TB-HIV cases 93% completed treatment within the initial phase, 71% the continuation phase. The combination of OAT and ARV doses was successful in reducing initial smear conversion in pulmonary TB cases. The treatment was evaluated as cure in pulmonary TB cases, complete in pulmonary TB-HIV cases, and had no treatment failure status in both groups. Treatment success in pulmonary TB patients was not significantly related (p-value≥5%) with the type of OAT, type of PMO, gender, and age. Whereas in HIV co-infected pulmonary TB patients, treatment success was significantly related (p-value <5%) with the type of PMO, and not related (p-value≥5%) with the type of OAT, gender, and age.

Dots therapy as an "idealized body" making project: Participation of pulmonary tuberculosis patients in the national tuberculosis control program (ntp) of bangladesh

Dots therapy as an "idealized body" making project: Participation of pulmonary tuberculosis patients in the national tuberculosis control program (ntp) of bangladesh

Patients with Ethambutol-Induced Ocular Toxicity Receiving "Directly Observed Treated Short-Course"

Objective: Determine the total number of Category-1 patients with ocular toxicity from Ethambutol after DOTS therapy. Methodology: This study conducted in department of Ophthalmology of abaseen hospital and Khyber medical center Peshawar over the one year, from May 2021 to April 2022 included Category-1 TB patients (both genders) aged 14 and 65 who had normal ocular parameters on an ophthalmological examination when starting DOTS treatment. The frequency of any vision change, optical symptom, including color vision, contrast sensitivity while receiving Ethambutol medication was examined in 240 eyes (120 patients). At the end of the first month and again at the end of the second month of therapy, Each patient's compliance with Ethambutol was examined, and all tests for ocular toxicity were repeated for each chosen patient. The study did not include patients in category-2 with positive sputum smears who had relapsed, had therapy fail, or was getting treatment after a break in treatment. Results: Out of 120 patients (240 eyes), 62 (51.6%) of them were male, and 58 (48.4%) of them were female patients. After a month, there was no sign of ocular toxicity. Ocular toxicity, on the other hand, appeared in 3 (2.5%) of the patients after the second month. Moreover, these three patients showed decreased visual acuity, poor color vision, decreased contrast sensitivity, and optic disc abnormalities. Conclusion: Patients with tuberculosis who use Ethambutol are at risk of developing ocular toxicity. As a result, it is essential to identify visual symptoms and signs as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary diagnostic delays and maybe irreversible vision loss. Keywords: Tuberculosis, Color Vision, Contrast Sensitivity, Optic Disc, Ethambutol-induced ocular toxicity, visual acuity, treatment strategies

A Study to Assess the Knowledge on DOTS, Utilization of DOTS Therapy and Its Compliance among Tuberculosis Patients in Selected Primary Health Centers, Bangalore Urban District

A Study to Assess the Knowledge on DOTS, Utilization of DOTS Therapy and Its Compliance among Tuberculosis Patients in Selected Primary Health Centers, Bangalore Urban District

Pharmacovigilance among patients with multi drug resistance tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment-a prospective study

Background: ADRs are frequent in patients of MDR-TB on DOTs-Plus drug regimen. Current study was carried out in tertiary care hospital. Recognition of types and frequency of adverse drug reactions in Intensive and continuation phase of MDR- TB Patients. Methods: It was a prospective observational study conducted in Damien Foundation Urban Leprosy & TB Centre, Nellore. All the MDR-TB patients admitted at the directly observed treatment, short course plus (DOTS plus) Center were enrolled and were monitored for ADRs. The causality and severity of the reactions were determined using Naranjo algorithm. Results: A total of 200 tuberculosis patients of MDR-TB on DOTS therapy were enrolled for the study. Out of 200 patients, 10 were dropouts, 10 defaulted so 190 patients assessed for ADRs, 129 patients developed 109 (56.48%) adverse drug reactions. The higher numbers of ADRs were observed in age group 31- 40yrs followed by 21-30yrs which were more common in men. Majority of adverse drug reactions were Gastrointestinal (GI) problems 48 (37.20%), followed by Ototoxicity 7 (5.42%) and Psychiatric Manifestations 3 (2.321 %) and skin problems 3 (2.32%). On evaluation of the causality of ADRs, majority were found to be Possible (57.95%). The severity assessment showed that most of the patients ADRs were of moderate level (42.04%). Conclusions: ADRs are major factor limiting completion of drug therapy under RNTCP and occurrence of drug resistance which requires attention of all health care professionals.

Evaluation of Single Stage Posterolateral Decompression and Posterior Fixation in Dorsolumbar Spinal Tuberculosis: A Prospective Study

Introduction: The study has been designed with all perseverance’s, to observe and evaluate the results of single stage transpedicular decompression and posterior fixation in Dorso Lumbar Spinal Tuberculosis. Material and Methods: The present study “Evaluation of Single Stage Posterolateral Decompression and Posterior Fixation in Dorsolumbar Spinal Tuberculosis: A Prospective Study” was conducted on clinicopathologically diagnosed cases of spinal tuberculosis of dorsal and lumbar region during a period of two years from “October 2018 to October 2020” in the Department of Orthopaedics, S.C.B. Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha. Method of Collection of Data: This is a clinical and prospective study conducted on patients admitted to S.C.B. Medical College, Cuttack after obtaining ethical clearance from the institutional ethical committee. A total of 25 cases of tuberculosis of spine in thoracic and lumbar region were selected for this procedure after obtaining proper informed and written consent.Patients were admitted based on clinical presentation such as prolonged back pain usually with tender gibbus, with/ without neurologic deficit. Objective of the Study: The objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of single stage posterolateral decompression and posterior fixation in spinal tuberculosis. The patients are to be evaluated postoperatively regarding following parameters: – • Postoperative neurological status and its improvement • Degree of pain relief • Radiological fusion of vertebra • Correction of angle of kyphosis Discussion: This piece of work conducted in Department of Orthopaedics, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, is meant for an analytical study of transpedicular decompression and debridement of spinal cord and fixation of the unstable spine by means of screws & rod system in a single stage posterior approach surgery. In our study we followed Tuli’s Middle Path Regimen in the management. Hence, all clinicoradiological diagnosed TB spine cases were administered ATT drugs under govt. sponsored DOTS Therapy Schedule. The pts who didn’t show signs of improvement, or deteriorating neural deficit, or progressive and gross kyphosis, or patients with severe pain were taken up for surgery and then followed up regularly at 3 months interval for a minimum average follow up period of 1 year. In our study, out of 25, 11 patients recovered completely from neurological deficit and was found to have Frenkel grade E. Another 12 patients had recovered to Frenkel grade D. Hence almost 92 percent of patients had satisfactory neurological recovery. In our study fusion was seen in 64 percent of cases which was significant and comparable with the studies of Gueven et al, Lee et al, and Chacko et al. Pain reduced in all cases. Conclusion: There was neurological recovery in all cases except one, indicating debridement by transpedicular approach is still effective though not radical. Pain was significantly reduced in all cases. Another vital observation was a correction in kyphotic deformity which was significant and also quite stable. There was fusion in more than half of the cases Keywords: Single Stage Posterolateral Decompression, Posterior Fixation in Dorsolumbar Spinal Tuberculosis, Potts Paraplegia

Ethambutol Induced Ocular Toxicity in Patients Receiving “Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course” Therapy

Background: To determine the frequency of Ocular toxicity due to Ethambutol in Category-1 patients after receiving DOTS therapy. Methods: Category-1 tuberculosis patients of 15-60 years (both gender) with normal ocular parameters on ophthalmological assessment at time of initiation of DOTS therapy were included in the study. A total of 242 eyes (121 patients) were studied for any change in the vision or occurrence of any other ocular symptom while on the Ethambutol treatment. Each patient was followed up for Ethambutol compliance status at the completion of one month and again at two months of treatment, all the ophthalmological assessments for ocular toxicity were repeated for every selected patient. Category-2 patients with sputum smear positive who have relapsed, who have treatment failure or who are receiving treatment after treatment interruption were excluded from the study. The patient’s information was gathered on a specifically designed proforma. The information on the proforma was filled by the researchers themselves. Results: Out of 121 patients (242 eyes), 64 (52.9%) were males and 57 (47.1%) were females. There was no sign of ocular toxicity after a month period. However, after second month ocular toxicity was developed in 02 (1.65%) of the patients. Besides, decrease in visual acuity, color vision abnormalities, decrease in contrast sensitivity, and optic disc abnormalities were also observed in these 02 patients. Conclusion: There is a possibility of the occurrence of ocular toxicity when the Ethambutol is taken by the tuberculosis patients. Thus, the early identification of ocular symptoms and signs is vital to avoid unnecessary delay in diagnosis and probable irreversible visual loss.

To Impact of Vit-D in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients Receiving DOTS

Introduction: Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps regulate bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis in humans. Vitamin D from the skin and right is passed on by the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D, which is used to assess a patient's vitamin D status. The enzyme 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1hydroxylase converts 25 (OH) D into 1, 25-dihydroxy vitamin D (1,25 (OH) 2 D) in the kidneys. Vitamin D is essential for good health. Turning the immune system to the host (MTB). Cathelicidin, an anti-bacterial peptide that prevents mycobacterium from replicating macrophages, shown to be stimulated by vitamin D. In cases of tuberculosis, high levels of serum vitamin D and hypocalcaemia. Enhanced macrophages may be blamed for high calcitriol levels in granulomas. Low levels of vitamin D, on the other hand, linked and tuberculosis (PTB) in several studies conducted worldwide.
 Aim: Study of Vit-D In Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients Receiving treatment.
 Materials and Methods: This study included 40 newly diagnosed PTB patients of both sex with the age group of 18-60. The patients were comprised before and after the DOTS therapy. Time period of this study were from September 2020 to Арril 2021 а nоn-rаndоmised соntrоlled trial.
 Results: The weight of patients before DOTS was decreased as compare to the weight after DOTS. The level of vitamin D significantly raised in newly diagnosed PTB patients while the vitamin D level was decreased after DOTS therapy.
 Conclusion: Decreased level of vit-D in the blood can be linked to an increased risk of tuberculosis. As a result, serum Vit-D levels in TB patients can be necessary to control, as Vit-D deficiency may develop without symptoms and intensify once TB therapy starts.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programe on Knowledge regarding Tuberculosis and Dots Therapy among staff nurses workers in selected hospital of Visnagar City

Introduction: Tuberculosis is one of the most prominent mycobacterium diseases known to humankind. Increasing cases world-wide led to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring a global Emergency in April 1993. Despite the availability of „tools‟ for controlling TB, programs have been unable to sustain high cure rate. As a consequence of this, and the increasing problems of drug resistance, the International community, through the WHO, has developed and launched the Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) strategy. Directly Observed Treatment, Short course chemotherapy is a strategy to ensure cure by providing the most effective medicine and confirming that it is taken. It is the only strategy which has been documented to be effective Worldwide on a program basis. Design: A quantitative approach using pre-experimental pre-test post-test design with one group. Participants: 50 Staff Nurses were selected using Non-Probability purposive sampling technique in Mehsana District. Interventions: Structured teaching was given to the Staff Nurses. Tool: Self Structured Questionnaire was used to assess the level of Knowledge regarding tuberculosis and dots therapy among staff nurses. Results: The research study shows that in pre test (20%) of sample had a poor knowledge (score 1-10) regarding knowledge about tuberculosis and dots therapy, while average knowledge (score 11-20) was observed in 46% of the sample and (34%) of sample having good (20-41) knowledge score. And in the post test (0%) of sample had a poor knowledge (score 1-10) regarding knowledge about tuberculosis and dots therapy, while average knowledge (score 11-20) was observed in (18%) of the sample and (82%) of sample having good (20-41) knowledge score. And the comparison between pre test and post test observation score regarding knowledge of tuberculosis and dots therapy. The mean pre test observation score was 16.4 and the mean post test score was the 23, and the Standard Deviation was 5.64 in pre test and 7.67 in post test score, also the calculated “t”value was 4.20 was greater than the table value at 0.05 level of significance. The structured teaching was effective in increasing the Knowledge regarding tuberculosis and dots therapy among staff nurses. Chi-square test to associate the level of knowledge and selected demographic variable. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that structured teaching programme is effective in increase knowledge regarding tuberculosis and dots therapy among staff nurses.

Screening: a unique study of otorhinolaryngeal manifestations in 400 patients of pulmonary tuberculosis being diagnosed and treated under revised national tuberculosis control programme

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily a disease of lungs but can affect any part of the body. Among extrapulmonary TB, tuberculosis of otorhinolaryngeal region is uncommon but not rare. Despite the best efforts of the RNTCP, tuberculosis is still a major health problem in India. In our study screening of the pulmonary tuberculosis patients was done to know the incidence and pattern of otorhinoloryngeal manifestations and also to know the treatment outcome after follow up of patient till completion of DOTS therapy under RNTCP.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This study included 400 pulmonary tuberculosis patients, both sputum positive and sputum negative (200 patients in each group) of newly treated (ND) and previously treated (PT) categories. After complete history, physical and local examination, suspected patients were evaluated for otorhinolaryngeal manifestations of tuberculosis. The diagnosis was confirmed after culture swabs, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and biopsy for histopathological examination (HPE).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of total 400 patients majority of patients belong to 21-30 years age group. Out of total 400 patients, 5 (1.25%) patients were having laryngeal tuberculosis, 1 (0.25%) patient of tubercular otitis media and 2 (0.5%) patients were having nasal TB. Results of our study are consistent with previously done studies despite RNTCP treatment. The treatment outcome was good after completion of ATT.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Every patient of pulmonary TB with complaint related to otorhinolaryngeal region should be examined and followed up with high suspicion of ENT related tuberculosis.</p>

The effect of a mhealth intervention on anti-tuberculosis medication adherence in Delhi, India: A quasi-experimental study.

Suboptimal adherence to anti-tuberculosis medication in patients is associated with adverse treatment outcomes including treatment failure, relapse, and emergence of drug resistance. : We conducted the present study with the objectives of evaluating the effectiveness of a mHealth package on the medication adherence of patients with tuberculosis (TB) on antitubercular (directly observed treatment short-course [DOTS]) treatment. We conducted Quasi-experimental study at six DOTS centers of Delhi among 220 newly diagnosed TB patients. We included adult TB patients (18 years and above) who were on DOTS therapy ≥30 days, had access to a mobile phone and were able to read messages and receive calls. We excluded patients with impaired hearing, blindness and those on non-DOTS therapy or having multidrug-resistant/extensively drug-resistant TB. Participants in the intervention group received amHealth package for 90 days. The medication adherence of the study participants was measured using Morisky, Green, and Levine Adherence Scale. A total of 130 men and 90 women were recruited for the study. Occupational interference and forgetfulness were the most common reasons for medication nonadherence in the patients. In the intervention group, the medication adherence to antitubercular medication (daily DOTS regimen) was 85.5% at baseline which increased to 96.4% at endline (postintervention) (P = 0.004). No significant change was observed in the control group (P = 0.328). The increase in adherence was observed across the following subgroups: age, gender, education, and Socioeconomic status. The mHealth intervention in TB patients was effective in improving the adherence to DOTS therapy.

A study to assess the knowledge and effectiveness of structured planned teaching program regarding DOTS therapy among G.N.M. 3rd year student of selected Government College of Nursing N.S.C.B M.C.H Jabalpur M.P.

A study to assess the knowledge and effectiveness of structured planned teaching program regarding DOTS therapy among G.N.M. 3rd year student of selected Government College of Nursing N.S.C.B M.C.H Jabalpur M.P.

A study to assess the knowledge and effectiveness of structured planned teaching program regarding DOTS therapy among G.N.M. 3rd year student of selected Government College of Nursing N.S.C.B M.C.H Jabalpur M.P

A study to assess the knowledge and effectiveness of structured planned teaching program regarding DOTS therapy among G.N.M. 3rd year student of selected Government College of Nursing N.S.C.B M.C.H Jabalpur M.P

Co-infection of hepatitis C virus infection as determinants of increased hepatotoxicity among tubrculosis patients in Enugu, Nigeria

Background: Tuberculosis is a devastating disease due to high rate of multidrug resistance. The coinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) may enhance the development of hepatotoxicity. There is paucity of data in Nigeria on impact of HCV and TB coinfection. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus in tuberculosis patients and ascertain the association of drug induced hepatotoxicity. Methods & Materials: This is a cross-sectional study that enrolled 148 patients with laboratory confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis between March 2018 and February 2019. The patients were categorized into three groups: group 1, patients that were on DOTS therapy; group 2, those that were newly diagnosed of TB and group 3, those that had completed six months therapy. Information on alcohol intake, cigarette smoking and duration of DOTS (group 1) were obtained. A single blood sample was collected and used for detection of anti-HCV antibodies by recombinant-ELISA, and estimation of Alpha-fetoprotein and liver enzymes. The data obtained were analyzed by chi-square test and the strength of association were measured with logistic regression analysis. Results: The tuberculosis patients comprised of 56.1% (83/148) that were on DOTS, 33.8% (50/148) newly diagnosed and 10.1% (15/148) of those that had completed DOTS, with mean age of 35.7 ± 15.1. The overall prevalence rate of HCV infection in TB patients was 23.6% (35/148). The prevalence of HCV infection in group 1, group 2 and group 3 of the TB patients were 27.7%, 20% and 13.3% respectively. The occurrence of hepatotoxicity, due to increased liver enzymes, was more in patients coinfected with HCV, with 26.5%, 16.0% and 13.3% in group 1, group 2 and group 3 respectively. Severe hepatotoxicity, 2.4%, was observed among the DOTS group. Mild liver inflammation was observed in 18.0% of the TB patients infected with HCV and those not infected were 42.1%, as assessed by alpha-fetoprotein increase >11 ng/ml. The predicting factors for hepatotoxicity were age, alcohol intake and cigarette smoking. Conclusions: The findings in this study showed high prevalence of HCV in TB patients which may complicate the anti-TB drug metabolism in the liver resulting to drug induced hepatotoxicity and liver inflammation.

Prolonged Isoniazid-induced Psychosis in a patient on DOTS Therapy – A Case Report

Prolonged Isoniazid-induced Psychosis in a patient on DOTS Therapy – A Case Report

A Study on Complaince Pattern of Tuberculosis Patients Under DOTS in A District of West Bengal

Background: DOTS is a comprehensive strategy for tuberculosis control based largely on Indian research and it now recognized worldwide. Still non-compliance to DOTS remains a major public health challenge. Aims: To know the compliance of DOTS therapy in tuberculosis patients in Howrah district of West Bengal and to find out the factors responsible for non-compliance. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine socio-demographic and treatment related risk factors in relation to non-compliance of patients under DOTS in Howrah district of West Bengal. Altogether 141 patients registered in 2nd quarter(1st April to 30th June2007) in Domjure TU were interviewed by home visit after their completion of intensive phase of treatment. Results: 63.8% patients were compliant with treatment. Non-compliance was significantly higher among 25-54 years age group(51.4%) and in male(46%) patients. Literate patients, patients of upper and lower middle socio-economic class and those were actually supervised during swallowing of drugs were found more compliant with the treatment. Conclusion: Proper supervision of DOT providers with adequate counseling of patients and their close relatives might help to treatment compliance.

Paediatric Tuberculosis at the Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course Clinic of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading infectious disease killer worldwide, despite significant progress against the disease in recent years. Most cases of TB in children occur in the TB endemic countries but the actual burden of paediatric TB is unknown. With early diagnosis and treatment using the first-line anti-tuberculous drugs, most people who develop the disease can be cured and onward transmission of infection curtailed.
 Objective: To determine the pattern and outcome of paediatric tuberculosis managed at a tertiary facility in Sokoto, Nigeria.
 Materials and Methods: Records of children managed for TB at the Directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) clinic over a three-and-a-half-year period were reviewed retrospectively. All children (≤ 15 years) treated for TB over the study period was included. Relevant information was retrieved from the register and analysed accordingly.
 Results: 74 children were treated with 33(44.6%) being males, giving a M: F ratio of 1:1.2. Mean (±SD) age was 85.78 (±55.40) months and 34 (45.9%) belonged to the 0.0-5.0-year age group. Seventy-one (95.9%) were new cases and three (4.1%) were relapse. Pulmonary TB (PTB) was seen in 50 (67.6%), more females had PTB than males, which was not significant (χ2=0.4, p=0.52).
 Acid fast bacilli (AFB) were positive in only 8 (10.8%) while GeneXpert MTB/RIF sensitivity was detected in 7 (9.2%). Majority 36 (48.6%) were lost to follow up, 30 (40.5%) completed treatment, only 4(5.4%) were cured with no recorded mortality. Successful treatment outcome was low (45.9%).
 Conclusion: Treatment outcome using DOTS strategy was poor, far below the WHO benchmark. There is need to improve adherence to DOTs therapy to prevent development of multi drug resistant TB.

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge about Drug Compliance on DOTS Therapy among T.B. Patients Attending DOTS Centre in Selected Hospital, Gurugram

Introduction: Good health is rightly regarded as a treasure. Our physical, economic and social well-being is directly related to it. In an age when someone believe that he/she has the tools to conquer most of the diseases, the myth of ancient scourge related to Tuberculosis (TB) still causes approx 2 million deaths every year, more than any other single infectious organism, reminding us that we still have a long way to go. Even we have dots therapy to treat TB effectively; we are powerless to eradicate this lethal infection. TB is not only a problem for the person suffering from it or their own families but a public health problem of the entire world. It is a barrier to social – economic development and the greatest burden of tuberculosis incidence and mortality in India is in adults aged 15 – 60 years which include the most productive members of society. The Government of India has launched program, to control TB in India in 1993 named as Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) and adopted the internationally recommended Directly Observed Treatment Short course therapy (DOTS), mainly focused on providing free sputum smear microscopic test for identification as well as high quality drugs to treat AFB free of cost. Tuberculosis is the second most leading cause of deaths worldwide after HIV/STD infections. Roughly 13.2 million (new and old cases), new cases 9.2 million every year is affected globally. About 1/3rd of the world’s population is infected with mycobacterium tuberculi. Approximately one in every 10 of these people will develop symptoms of TB, which is mainly consist of chronic cough, severe weight loss, diaphoresis and progressive irreversible pulmonary damage. TB has not got the requisite attention because it is a disease of the poor and the downtrodden, which do not have adequate influence with policy makers. Current detection and cure rates: - The detection rate in the state of Delhi is 296 per 100,000 populations. (Ref - Annual report, RNTCP program, Govt. of India-2008).Operation ASHA’s detection rate is 360 per 100,000. Covering 50% of all the TB patients in South Delhi, and the government and remaining NGOs are treating the rest. Objectives 1) To assess the knowledge about drug compliance on DOTS therapy among TB patients attending DOTS centre in selected hospital, Gurgaon. 2) To find out the association between the knowledge with socio-demographical variables. Material and Methods: Descriptive research design was used to assess the knowledge about drug compliance on DOTS therapy among TB patients attending DOTS centre in selected hospital, Gurgram. Convenient sampling technique was used to select 60 TB patients of District Hospital, Gurgaon, Budhera. Informed written consent was taken from each student. Result: The finding of the study revealed that Reveals that mean knowledge score is 15.22 approx., median is 15 and SD is 3.1 approx. Conclusion: On the basis of total mean knowledge score it inferred that knowledge score about drug compliance on DOTS therapy among TB patients attending DOTS centre was good