A study to assess the knowledge of patients regarding dots therapy

Background: Tuberculosis cases are increasing day by day. National TB treatment guidelines strongly recommend using a patient-centred case management approach - including directly observed therapy (“DOT”) - when treating persons with active TB disease. The study conducted at Taluk hospital Perumbavoor. The study will add knowledge on understanding the knowledge level of patients regarding DOTs therapy. Need and significance of Study: The study helps to understand tuberculosis patients regarding importance of treatment and follow up. Materials and Method: Cross- sectional study was conducted. Census method was used for the study. Population of the study is the patients coming under TB unit of hospital. Sample - The sample of the study is the 58 patients came for treatment in government Taluk hospital Perumbavoor, Ernakulam District. 16 questions have been used for the study. For those questions, scoring was done. Patients who answered YES, 3 score was given. For the question patients who answered NO, 1 score was given. Hypotheses- There is no significant relation between patients’ education and knowledge about DOTs therapy. Result: Majority of the people have poor knowledge regarding DOTs therapy. Males are more affected with tuberculosis. Patients with above sslc qualification have more knowledge regarding tuberculosis and its treatment strategy and have good knowledge regarding DOTs therapy. Most of them know that treatment is free of cost. Therefore, there is a significant relationship between patients’ education and knowledge level. Conclusion: The authorities should have to give more importance for patient education regarding DOTs therapy and its important.