Treatment Outcome and Follow-up of Tuberculosis Patients Put on Directly Observed Treatment Short-course Under Rural Health Training Center, Paithan, Aurangabad in India

BACKGROUND: Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) was found successful in achieving its objectives; still there is concern of relapse cases and defaulters. AIM: The aim of this study is to know the treatment outcome, to assess the reasons for relapse, default, death of patient and to assess the follow-up status of tuberculosis (TB) patients put on directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in 140 TB patients put on DOTS during year 2005-2007 under Rural Health Training Center, Paithan. The personal interview was carried out by an investigator with pre-tested questionnaire during month of July-August 2008. RESULTS: Out of total 140, 125 TB cases could be traced: Category I 48% (60/125), Category II 16% (20/125) and Category III 36% (45/125). Cure rate among Category I was calculated to be 61.7% (37/60). Defaulters were observed to be 18.3% (11/60), 25% (5/20) and 20% (9/45) among Category I, Category II and Category III respectively. Death rate was higher (5%) among patients of Category II. During the follow-up visit, 82.4% (103/125) were found to be alive while 17.6% (22/125) dead. A total of 18 deaths were related with TB and its sequelae. Around 20% (5/25) defaulted because of feeling of well-being. During the follow-up visit, 5.8% (6/103) were again put on DOTS. CONCLUSIONS: Defaulters were high in present study. The majority of patients left the treatment due to feeling well. This can be tackled by effective counseling. Higher percentage of the patients showed improvement in their weight after completion of DOTS treatment. More emphasis was to be given toward existing TB patients to get successful results of RNTCP.