We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Reasons for loss to follow-up (LTFU) of pulmonary TB (PTB) patients: A qualitative study among Saharia, a particularly vulnerable tribal group of Madhya Pradesh, India.
- Authors
Mishra, Prashant; Sharma, Ravendra K.; Yadav, Rajiv; Rao, V. G.; Nigam, Samridhi; Lingala, Mercy Aparna; Bhat, Jyothi
- Abstract
Background: Loss to follow-up (LTFU) among pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients is a significant challenge for TB control. However, there is a dearth of information about the factors leading to LTFU among marginalized communities. This study highlights the factors associated with LTFU in Saharia, a tribe of Madhya Pradesh having high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out during January-April 2020 among twenty-two pulmonary TB patients, recorded as LTFU in NIKSHAY, with ten treatment supporters and ten patient's family members. Semi-structured personal interview tools were used to collect the information on the history of anti-tuberculosis treatment, adverse drug events (ADE), social cognitive, behaviors, myths, and misbeliefs. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed to examine underlying themes. Results: The study explored various social, behavioral factors leading to loss to follow-up among PTB patients. Drug side effects, alcoholism, social stigma, lack of awareness of the seriousness of the diseases and poor counseling are the main barriers to treatment adherence in this community. Conclusions: The study highlights the need to address the issues related to LTFU during TB treatment. The enhanced efforts of treatment supporters, health staff, and family & community persons must motivate and support the patients.
- Subjects
MADHYA Pradesh (India); INDIA; MEDICAL personnel; DRUG side effects; PATIENT compliance; TUBERCULOSIS; QUALITATIVE research; SOCIAL stigma
- Publication
PLoS ONE, 2021, Vol 16, Issue 12, p1
- ISSN
1932-6203
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0261152