Failure to initiate treatment for tuberculosis patients diagnosed in a community survey and at health facilities under a dots programme in a district of south India.
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Date
2005-07
Journal Title
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Abstract
We studied the proportion and fate of tuberculosis patients who were not initiated on treatment (initial
defaulters) in Tiruvallur district of Tamilnadu, where DOTS strategy was implemented. These patients were visited to
find out the reason for default. Treatment was not initiated in 57 (23.5%) of the 243 sputum positive cases diagnosed
in a community survey and 156 (14.9%) of 1049 patients diagnosed in health facility. Men were more likely not to have
treatment initiated. The common reasons stated for initial default were unwillingness, symptoms being mild, personal
reasons and dissatisfaction. There is an urgent need to improve the patient’s perception of treatment and strengthen the
health systems’ capabilities to reduce initial default.
Description
Keywords
Initial Defaulter, Tuberculosis
Citation
Gopi P G, Chandrasekaran V, Subramani R, Narayanan P R. Failure to initiate treatment for tuberculosis patients diagnosed in a community survey and at health facilities under a dots programme in a district of south India. Indian Journal of Tuberculosis. 2005 Jul; 52(3): 153-156.