Treatment Compliance of Patients on Dots Under RNTCP in District Pulwama (Kashmir), With Special Refrence to Defaulters

Abstract

Defaulters from tuberculosis treatment are at risk for clinical deterioration and complications including MDR, XDR and death. The objectives of the study were to identify various risk factors associated with Tuberculosis default patients& to assess the timing & pattern of treatment interruption. For this cross sectional study eligible patients for the study included TB patients (New cases or defaulters), Patients were identified from the TCU registers and Contacted to answer a questionnaire. For each case two defaulters were also interviewed on already formulated; pretested questionnaire in their respective homes. Relevant DOTS providers were also interviewed. Four TB default patients were found registered during study period of one year in district Pulwama & eight non-defaulters (Treatment completed/cured). Major reasons for default included side effects of anti TB drugs, patients put on non-DOTS & patients beginning to feel better/cured. The high prevalence of TB default patients mandates interventions in the form of introducing Non-DOTS under RNTCP, improving health education regarding benefits of treatment completion by DOTS staff.