Assessment of Knowledge of Direct Observe Treatment (DOT) Providers Regarding Tuberculosis and Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme in Raipur District of Chhattisgarh State

Background: Tuberculosis is a barrier to socio-economic development. One third of the global population is estimated to be infected with TB bacillus. RNTCP was started in Chhattisgarh in selected districts in 15/08/2002 and extended to entire state by 15/08/2004. The DOT providers are the link person between TB Health Visitor/Health worker and patients. Their performance determines the outcome of TB cases. Proper implementation of RNTCP programme at operational level and successful treatment of TB patients mainly depends upon the updated knowledge level of the DOT provider. With this background, this study was planned to assess the updated knowledge level of DOT providers about TB and RNTCP. Methodology: A cross sectional observational community based study was conducted using simple random sampling in all 33 Designated Microscopic Centres (DMC’s) of Raipur district from November 2011 to October 2012. During the study, 136 DOT providers were included and predesigned and pretested proforma was used as a study tool. The obtained data were analyzed using appropriate statistical test. Results: In the present study, majority (83.8%) of the DOT providers were female and 50% were aged between 30-40 years. The modular training was received by only 9.6% of DOT providers. Majority (55.15%) of DOT providers had average knowledge score. Knowledge score of DOT Providers was significantly associated with age, sex and job duration of DOT Providers. Conclusions: Majority of the DOT providers were having average knowledge regarding TB and RNTCP in the current study. There is a need to ensure the 100% coverage of modular training and time to time refresher training. Supportive supervision should be carried out at regular interval to keep the knowledge of DOT providers updated. Hence knowledge can be mobilized as appropriate practices.