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Tuberculosis management practices by private practitioners in Andhra Pradesh, India
Shanta Achanta1, Jyoti Jaju, Ajay M V Kumar
1World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in India, New Delhi, India. AchantaS@rntcp.org
Plos One
|August 23, 2013
Summary
Few private medical practitioners in India adhere to International Standards of Tuberculosis Care (ISTC) for diagnosing and treating tuberculosis (TB). Improved engagement with the private sector is crucial for better TB management and preventing drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Management
- Tuberculosis Research
Background:
- Private healthcare providers play a significant role in tuberculosis (TB) management in India.
- Adherence to standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols is essential for effective TB control.
- The International Standards of Tuberculosis Care (ISTC) provide a benchmark for optimal TB patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the self-reported TB diagnostic and treatment practices of private medical practitioners in Visakhapatnam, India.
- To evaluate compliance with ISTC guidelines among these practitioners.
- To identify factors associated with adherence to ISTC standards.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted using semi-structured interviews.
- 201 private medical practitioners in Visakhapatnam district were assessed for ISTC compliance.
- Data on diagnostic and treatment practices were collected and analyzed against ISTC benchmarks.
Main Results:
- A low proportion of practitioners (6%) met diagnostic standards, and only 1 (6%) met all treatment standards.
- 14% of practitioners complied with a core set of three ISTC standards.
- Higher compliance was linked to managing >20 TB patients annually, prior TB guideline training, and practicing alternative medicine.
Conclusions:
- Reported TB diagnostic and treatment practices among private practitioners in Visakhapatnam largely fall short of ISTC benchmarks.
- There is an urgent need for enhanced engagement with the private sector to improve TB care.
- Improving private sector practices can help reduce diagnostic delays and combat drug resistance.
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