A Study on knowledge, attitude and practice among practitioners of alternative Systems of medicine regarding existing National Programme on Tuberculosis
Keywords:
AYUSH Practitioners, Alternative systems of medicine, National programme on TB, KAP.Abstract
Background: Effective TB control is hampered by the introduction of mycobacteria that are resistant to medications used to treat TB, which has grown to be a serious global public health issue. When symptoms start to appear, a significant portion of the population first seeks advice from alternative systems of medicine, pharmacies and unlicensed doctors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of AYUSH practitioners in Vijayawada city regarding the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among AYSUH practitioners in Vijaywada for a period of one year. Data was collected by in depth interview method using pre-tested & structured questionnaire containing open & closed ended questions. This include their knowledge and attitude regarding Tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment and referral.
Results: Out of total 209 AYUSH practitioners 132(63.16%) belong to the age group less than 50years. 147(70.34%) said they has bachelor's degree including diploma qualification. Out of total 209 AYUSH practitioners 107(51.20%) correctly answered about the technique of staining for sputum smear. 176(84.22%) answered yes there is higher risk of development of TB in HIV patient. Out of total 209 AYUSH practitioners 155(74.16%) practitioners responded that they don’t have knowledge regarding diagnostic & therapeutic guidelines of programme.
Conclusions: In this study it was observed that more than half of the participants were ayurvedic practitioners and no Siddha practitioners. Half of the practitioners answered sputum smear as the first choice of diagnostic method. Half of the practitioners answered sputum smear as the first choice of diagnostic method. More than 3/4th (79%) of the practitioners don't have knowledge regarding number of sputum samples used for follow up and had not attended Programme on Tb training programs.
