*YASMIN MUMTAZ, **ADNAN HABIB, ***WAQAR H. KAZMI

ABSTRACT

Objective:The main objective of the study was to reduce the problem of tuberculosis by increasing the success rate by implementing DOTS through LHWs.

Material & Methods: The study was an observational descriptive one. The patients for this study were recruited from the four districts of Balochistan; Mastung, Dera Allah Yar, Dera Bugti and Nasirabad, Balochistan. The study was done during January 2004 to September 2004. All those who were sputum smear positive and presented for the first time were included as "new" patients and those on re-treatment as "relapses". The study population consisted of all pulmonary tuberculosis patients over 15 years old in the four districts of Balochistan, who started a new course of tuberculosis treatment after sputum examination at any of the diagnostic clinics. Patients were excluded from the study if they had multiple-drug resistance (MDR) or severe illness where facility based management was indicated.

Result: The results of study showed that the majority (47%) of affected persons belonged to younger age group (15-35), and out of the 111 persons who were enrolled in the study, 65% were males. Fifty percent of affected persons were daily wagers and farmers (49%) and earning less than 2500 rupees per month. Majority (75%) were illiterate. Regarding sputum conversion, there was significant impact of DOTS to sputum conversion within adequate time period, majority (74%) of DOTS cases converted to negative within two months and 14% within 3 months of starting the treatment.

Conclusion: It is concluded that DOTS is an effective strategy to treat tuberculosis in Pakistan. However, if we have to replicate it on a wider scale, we need to strengthen the LHW program.

Key words: Tuberclosis, Directly Observed Treatment Short Course, Lady Health Workers.

For Full text contact to:
Prof. Dr. Farah Mansuri
editor@annals-ashkmdc.org

Department of Community Medicine
*Dow University of Health Sciences
**Habib Medical Centre
***Karachi Medical & Dental College/Abbasi Shaheed Hospital