Exploratory qualitative study for community management and control of tuberculosis in India

• Team interviewed several doctors and key TB informants in India.
• We explored factors influencing TB control and management.
• Alert, Care and Education emerged as themes to address for better TB control.
• Suggested social media solutions on Alert, Care and Education for TB patient care.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in India which accounts for nearly one-fifth of the global TB burden. Though India has been gaining success in eliminating TB, the disease still kills 1000 people daily. It is of prime importance to control the TB situation in India. Motivated by the need to explore factors influencing TB, a qualitative study was conducted with 14 doctors and key TB informants in India over a period of one month involving face-to-face interviews. The interviewees came from diverse backgrounds and vocations, thus providing a rich data on varied issues in controlling the spread of TB in India for enhanced patient care. The data was coded and analyzed. The findings suggest the need to address mental and social well-being of the TB patients through three main themes, namely, Alerts, Care and Education, in order to control the TB situation in India.

Main Themes and sub-themes identified through interviews with several doctors and key TB informants to control TB situation in India.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide