Background: Hypertension is a chronic disease and an important risk factor for cardiovascular complications. The increase in prevalence of hypertension is attributed to age of population, urbanization, sedentary habits, lack of physical activity, obesity, alcohol consumption and exposure to continuous stress. Regular anti-hypertensive medications can reduce the long-term risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study was done to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding hypertension and to assess the drug compliance in hypertensive patients.Methods: This study was a cross sectional questionnaire based, conducted among 200 hypertensive patients attending hypertension clinic (Department of Medicine) of Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Puducherry, India from October to December 2018. A close-ended questionnaire was given to the patients, which comprised of 16 questions on knowledge (5), attitude (5) and practice (6). Data was analyzed and expressed in descriptive statistics.Results: The commonly prescribed anti-hypertensive medications were calcium channel blockers (79%) and β blockers (26.5%). Knowledge regarding hypertension, normal BP, symptoms and complications was 74%, 54.5%, 41.5% and 37.5% respectively. Positive attitude regarding regular medications, role of drugs, diet control, salt restriction and physical activity was found in 94%, 40.5%, 74%, 76% and 67% respectively. Regular BP measurement, follow up, salt restriction and exercise were practiced by 77%, 77%, 72% and 9% of patients respectively.Conclusions: Present study reflected a lack of knowledge among hypertensive patients regarding normal BP, symptoms and complications. A positive attitude and practice were observed among the patients except for practice of regular exercise. Hence, emphasize on awareness about symptoms, complications and importance of physical activity should be improved particularly among male patients.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) incidence among tribal patients is high owing to their social and geographic vulnerability. Ensuring adherence to TB treatment among them remains a challenging task as it is dependent on socio-cultural and environmental factors. Objective: 1) To know the individuals' perception of TB disease and anti-TB treatment; 2) To explore the personal, social, family and cultural factors influencing on patient's treatment adherence; 3) To identify the challenges faced by health care providers in delivering services to the tribal population. Material and Methods: A descriptive qualitative study conducted among tribal patients (n = 16) and health providers (n = 6) of Manathavady TB unit, Wayanad District of Kerala. The data were collected through in-depth interviews (IDIs), audio-recorded in Malayalam, transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Transcripts were analysed using manual descriptive content analysis. Results: Most of the patients were oriented about the importance of completing TB treatment though lacked awareness about its causation. The supportive attitude of the community further encouraged them to continue TB treatment. However, substance abuse emerged as the biggest challenge to treatment adherence particularly among males. While accessibility to the health system, animal confrontation, and disaster risk emerged as barriers owing to the geographic landscape of the community, health services were found to be acceptable, available and affordable to all the patients. No stigma or discrimination was perceived by the patients at family, community and health system level. However, their beliefs in herbal medicines and conduct of certain rituals delayed them for seeking care. The personal commitment of the health care staff How to cite this paper: Rajan, Journal of Tuberculosis Research helped the TB patients to adhere better with the treatment thereby yielding best results. Conclusion: The TB treatment adherence among the tribal population was satisfactory due to personal, social and health system support. However, alcoholism and geographic vulnerability were perceived as the challenges in ensuring treatment adherence.