Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Awareness and Perception of Drug Resistant TB Among Healthcare Providers in the Public (Government) and Private Sectors in Northern and Central India: An Exploratory Survey

Version 1 : Received: 28 May 2023 / Approved: 31 May 2023 / Online: 31 May 2023 (08:00:05 CEST)

How to cite: Kohli, P.; Pandey, R.; Kohli, M.P.; Bhargava, S.; Raj, V.S. Awareness and Perception of Drug Resistant TB Among Healthcare Providers in the Public (Government) and Private Sectors in Northern and Central India: An Exploratory Survey. Preprints 2023, 2023052193. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202305.2193.v1 Kohli, P.; Pandey, R.; Kohli, M.P.; Bhargava, S.; Raj, V.S. Awareness and Perception of Drug Resistant TB Among Healthcare Providers in the Public (Government) and Private Sectors in Northern and Central India: An Exploratory Survey. Preprints 2023, 2023052193. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202305.2193.v1

Abstract

Background: Although Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest diseases known to mankind, many practitioners are still unaware of various aspects of management of TB including drug resistant TB. To be able to make an impact on the disease burden we need to understand the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of practitioners, both in government and private sector, towards TB case management. Methodology: A random cross-sectional survey of 99 respondents to assess the KAP towards TB case management using a digital semi-structured questionnaire which was pre-tested and administered to allopathic practitioners from across States in North and Central India. Results: 77% responders were government doctors and 23% were private practitioners. Chest physicians accounted for 61% of the responders. 26% of government and 78% of private doctors relied on sources which are difficult to validate for their knowledge on drug resistant TB management. There were large variations seen in knowledge on modes of transmission, standard precautions, extent of drug resistant TB, diagnostics as well as treatment regimen for drug resistant TB. Conclusion: The knowledge of both sector doctors especially amongst private practitioners with respect to the awareness of extent, diagnosis, and treatment and infection control measures for drug resistant TB is suboptimal which translates to poor diagnostic, therapeutic and infection control choices amongst private practitioners. If India has to achieve the targets for TB Elimination by 2025, serious work needs to be done to upgrade the knowledge of the private sector doctors on drug resistant tuberculosis. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI needs to have regular educational programs for the private practitioners coupled with awareness campaigns and frequent surveys to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices being followed in the private sector for TB management including drug resistant TB.

Keywords

Tuberculosis; Drug Resistant; Management; Awareness

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Immunology and Microbiology

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