Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

One of the key components of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) is to provide every village, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA). Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) provider, if accessible and acceptable to patient and accountable to health system, can play a significant role in reducing TB burden. ASHA can be a DOTS provider under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme. The present study attempts to understand KAP (Knowledge, Attitude and Practice) of ASHAs pertaining to tuberculosis and DOTS. Modified Sample ACSM KAP Survey questionnaire on tuberculosis was used to collect information. Total 43 (91.48%) out of 47 ASHAs participated in the study. Mean age of them was 29.55 years. Good knowledge (Mean score = 6.58 out of 10) was observed regarding tuberculosis and DOTS. All were well known that tuberculosis can be cured with prompt treatment. Twenty nine (67.44%) ASHAs knew correctly that the tuberculosis diagnosis and DOTS is totally free of cost. Forty one (95.34%) ASHAs preferred to go to health facility if they thought that they themselves had symptoms of tuberculosis. Thirty eight (88.37%) ASHAs had a favourable attitude towards tuberculosis patients. Study revealed good knowledge, favourable attitudes and practices pertaining to tuberculosis amongst ASHAs. However, gaps in the knowledge of BCG vaccination and major symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis were observed.
Keywords: NRHM, ASHA, RNTCP, DOTS. Tuberculosis.