Publication:

Perception of private practitioners towards diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in Hubballi city, India

Background Private sector accounts more than third of all out- patient visit in India. For Revised Nation Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) to broaden its reach and have maximum impact, the involvement of private practitioners (PPs) in the programme plays a prime role. Objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of PPs about diagnosis and management of tuberculosis patient and their involvement RNTCP.

Methods A cross sectional study was conducted among 120 private medical practitioners of Hubballi Taluk, Dharwad district, Karnataka during June-July 2017. Using a pre-designed and semi-structured questionnaire data regarding their specialization, TB management practices, attitude towards DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment -short course), barriers in referring to RNTCP and notification from PPs at their clinic was collected.

Results Cough with sputum not relieved with antibiotics lead to suspicion of tuberculosis according to 80.8% of practitioners and 75.8 % preferred both sputum examination and chest x-ray for diagnosis of tuberculosis. 79% of private practitioners were aware of notification regarding TB case. Need for notification according to 63.3% of practitioners was to help in tracing contacts and further prevention of TB, follow up of patients (40%). Only 23.3% had heard of Nikshay. 42.5% referred patient to RNTCP and major reason was availability of free drugs (76.6%).

Conclusions The awareness and involvement of PPs regarding RNTCP & its initiatives were low. There is a need for measures to improve training and interactions with PPs by programme officers to insure their Maximum participation.