Authors
Retheesh K Ha, Althaf Alia, Mathew J Valamparambilb, Puhalenthi Kc, Radhakrishnan Td
a Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Trivandrum;
b Department of Medicine, Government Medical College, Kottayam;
c Department of Medicine, Madurai Medical College, Tamil Nadu;
d Health Education, Government Medical College, Trivandrum
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing the effectiveness of RNTCP – DOT providers in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, India.
Method: During July 1st 2006 to March 31st 2007, 93 DOT providers and their 93 patients from 4 Tuberculosis Units (TU) in Thiruvananthapuram were interviewed separately to determine their general characteristics and whether the DOT providers effectively discharged the responsibilities laid down under RNTCP.
Results: Significant associations were found between Effectiveness of DOT Provider with DOT provider category, training in RNTCP, experience more than 2 years, experience in terms of higher number of patients and the knowledge regarding DOTS and RNTCP.
Conclusion: There is a need for a comprehensive training strategy for each and every DOT provider so as to improve their effectiveness which will ensure better treatment compliance under RNTCP. Also, the mechanism of supervision of DOT Providers must be restructured.
Keywords: RNTCP, DOTS, treatment compliance