Gender Differences in Treatment Outcome of Tuberculosis Patients under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme

ABSTRACT

Aim: The present study was undertaken to find out the sex differences in the notification rates and treatment outcomes of Tuberculosis (TB) patients, registered under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) in a rural Tuberculosis Unit (TU) in Thorrur, Warangal Dist., Telangana. Methods: This is a retrospective record based study was carried out among a total of 585 cases registered under the RNTCP between January'2011 to December'2012. Notification rates of TB, clinical forms of Tuberculosis and disease treatment outcomes recorded in the registers were analysed. Based on genders outcomes were defined in accordance with the standard RNTCP definitions. Results: Among the total of 585 patients 220 (80%) were male and 55 (20%) were female with male female ratio of 41. In patients less than 20 years of age the notification rates among males and females were similar. In other age groups male were more likely to be notified compared to females and the difference was statistically significant, while new smear positive and retreatment cases were significantly more than females, among females new smear positive and new extra pulmonary cases significantly lower. Among the new smear positive in females 39.3% were cured compared to 49.4% males which was again significant statistically. Male patients outnumbered female in all unfavorable outcome like death, failure, and default. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates a gender difference in the notification rates, clinical presentations and treatment outcomes of patients with TB integrated research is necessary to find the reasons for these differences. Such studies will be helpful in improving the efficacy of the RNTCP