Publication:

Default rate and its awareness in management of tuberculosis in Chittoor district population, Andhra Pradesh, India

Background Default rate is the most essential feature of the DOTS strategy itself and also especially relevant in view of increased prevalence of drug resistance tuberculosis.  The aim of the present study was conducted to give awareness on default rate in management of tuberculosis.

Methods A total of 229 patients with smear positive tuberculosis cases of both category-I and category-II from DOTS centre in tuberculosis, S.V.R.R. Government General Hospital, Tirupati, A.P, India were enrolled and registered for the present study. Consent was taken from the patients to give awareness on default rate role in management of Tuberculosis in Chittoor district population.

Results Higher default rate is found among those employed 12.4% compared to those unemployed 4.3% and the difference is also found to be statistically significant. The defaulter rate has been found to be higher in those with 3 + sputum grading 12.4% followed by 1 + grading 7.9%.

Conclusions Default rate in the present study is high which points out that even with DOTS therapy, there can be significant default rate. So it is recommended that DOTS providers are periodically supervised and explained on the need to ensure full compliance and minimize the rate.