Title: Perceptions of General Practitioners regarding inclusion as a DOTS provider in RNTCP, implemented in urban slum area of Mumbai

Authors: Dr Pravin Meshram, Dr Amandeep Kaur Ratta, Dr Sachin Singh Yadav

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v8i3.11

Abstract

   

Background: Engaging all health care providers in tuberculosis (TB) control has been incorporated as an essential component of World Health Organization's Stop TB Strategy and the Stop TB Partnership's global plan 2006-2015.Private practitioners treat a substantial proportion of tuberculosis cases. Since many patients first approach these practitioners, there is an opportunity to reduce diagnostic delay, to reduce subsequent transmission, and to improve treatment outcomes. Motivation of private practitioners for being a DOTs provider is one of the strategies developed by Govt. of India under the RNTCP to mitigate the disease burden. Hence the present study is undertaken to know perspectives of private practitioners regarding participation as a DOTs provider.

Objectives: Objectives of the study were to to study the profiles of General practitioners contacted for RNTCP orientation. To assess the inclination of private practitioners to be or not to be DOTS provider. To assess factors influencing their willingness to be DOTS provider.

Material and Methods: A present cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2014 to January 2015among General practitioners practicing in Malavani urban slum of Mumbai. A total of 40 participants were selected using a purposive sampling design with a random approach.

Results: Majority of the GPs in age range of 20 to 40 years and male preponderant (90.00%) in the present study.. About 20% of the GPs were already enrolled as DOTS providers. The main reason for enrollment was commitment towards serving the society and most common reason for non-enrollment was lack of knowledge about being a DOTS provider. The most common suggested measure to improve the participation of PPs as DOTS Provider was conducting CMEs on updates of the disease and its treatment.

Conclusion: In a present study we found about 1/5th of the GPs were DOTS providers when we assessed before the education sessions of the present study. The main reason for enrollment was commitment towards serving the society and most common reason for non-enrollment was lack of knowledge about being a DOTS provider. We recommend prompt advocacy form RNTCP Programme managers with private practitioners to ensure their participation and motivation for enrollment.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, RNTCP, Private practitioners.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Sachin Singh Yadav

Associate Professor, Department of community Medicine, Government Medical College, Datia, India