ABSTRACT
Background: India has the highest burden of tuberculosis in the world. It is experiencing an increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases, thereby facing a dual disease burden. Recent evidence shows an association between TB and noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, CVD and chronic respiratory infections. Aims and Objectives: To assess the feasibility of screening for NCDs and risk factors for NCDs among patients with TB in DOTS centers of a medical college in Delhi and ascertain challenges for the same among providers and patients. Methodology: It was a mixed-methods study with a quantitative component (cross-sectional study using questionnaires, anthropometric measurements and records review) and a qualitative component (descriptive study using interview data). Results: Among the 139 patients screened, ten new cases of hypertension and six new patients were diagnosed with DM. Outof- pocket expenditure for tests was a concern of the patients. Health care providers found the screening tool easy to use but were apprehensive about increased workload Conclusion: The study provide useful visions for incorporating NCDs into routine TB care through DOTS centers under RNTCP/NTEP.
ABSTRACT
Background: The operational research was done to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding TB case management of Pediatricians. Place were five major cities of Punjab state, India. i.e. Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Patiala and Bathinda.Methods: Study design was observational cross-sectional study. Period was one year. The data collection was done from Paediatricians from 5 cities inhabiting approximately half of the urban population of Punjab, using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire and knowledge of TB and its management was assessed.Results: Total of 139 pediatricians participated in the study, 69% were male. Majority pediatricians had adequate knowledge of TB disease and case suspicion. Adequate knowledge of TB diagnosis was seen in 87% doctors. Only 20% doctors had adequate knowledge about treatment of TB cases. Overall 64% of Pediatricians referred TB cases to DOTS centre for treatment.Conclusions: Improving the treatment knowledge of paediatricians can go a long way in improving management of TB cases.