Abstract

A STUDY TO ASSESS THE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS FOR NON COMPLIANCE WITH THERAPEUTIC REGIMEN OF DOTS THERAPY AMONG TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS AT SELECTED DOTS CENTRES OF SANGLI DISTRICT

Mahesh Chand* and Basavant Dhudum

Abstract

Research Objective: To assess the contributing factors for noncompliance to DOTS therapy at selected Dots Centres of Sangli District. Material And Methods: A Qualitative research approach and Exploratory Descriptive research design was used. The sample size was 100 for non-compliance patients using non probability convenient sampling technique. By following sampling criteria the tool was developed as questionnaire. Semi structures questionnaire was used to assess the contributing factors for non-compliance with the therapeutic regimen of DOTS therapy. To find out the study finding frequency and percentage was used. Result and Conclusion: Semi structured questionnaire was used to find out the contributing factors for non compliance to DOTS therapy. As per regimen factors maximum participants 63% were not aware about the consequences of discontinuing treatment, 69% were not aware on effect of irregular medication, 39% of them discontinued medication after 4 month due to pill burden 67%, side effects 87%, but 65% felt that DOTS therapy was effective. As per socio cultural factors maximum 72% of the participants had family support, 66% had disclosed their diagnosis of family and friends, 59% of the participants revealed that stigma is one of the reason for noncompliance with the treatment. As per financial factors majority of the participants travelled by bus 55%, and the cost of transportation were between Rs. 200-300, maximum number of participants 75% said cost of transportation affects with compliance to the treatment. As per health services related factors majority of the participants 71% were receiving counseling from DOTS centres but only 42% said that the counseling was effective. Maximum number of participant had to wait in DOTS centre up to 2 hours, 47% said that the relationship with health care providers was fair.

Keywords: A Qualitative research approach and Exploratory Descriptive research design.