Abstract:
This study has been conducted at the out patients Department (TB OPD) Allied Hospital Faisalabad to evaluate the provision of Anti tuberculosis drugs to the patients and their knowledge about TB & Health facility (Allied Hospital Faisalabad). The objective was to evaluate the availability of anti tuberculous drugs at tertiary level and to highlight any shortfall at different stages of patient’s treatment of tuberculosis. A total of 100 confirmed patients of tuberculosis (37 male sand 63 females) attending tuberculosis/Chest OPD of Allied Hospital, Faisalabad were selected for this study. A structured questionnaire was prepared to gather all sorts of information. The major age group (42%) of the respondents was ranging from <8 - 20 years. The next age group (39%) was of 21-40 yrs. Remaining 19% patients were in age group ranging from 41 - 60 yrs. The mean age was 27.3±13.8 yrs. Regarding the Income status of the patients, 62% were from families having income range of Rs.5000 – 10000 / month, while 27% patients belonged to families having income less than Rs.5000 per month. The remaining 11% had income in excess of Rs.10,000 / month. Out of one hundred patients,
89% demonstrated well about the schedule of the schedule and the working hours of the facility and they were satisfied.
Fifty five percent patients were coming from more than 5 kilometers to reach the hospital. Majority of the patients 88% had multiple symptoms when they first came to the hospital. Forty patients were receiving treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis, while remaining, 29% patients were receiving treatment for tuberculosis of lymph nodes and 8% for tuberculosis of bone and only 3% patients were classified for other types of tuberculosis. 88% patients could not afford to buy their drugs. It was observed in the past that the anti tuberculosis drugs were not freely available, but since 2007 the anti-tuberculosis drugs have been easily available and free of cost for the patients attending TB OPD at Allied Hospital Faisalabad with the assistance of National TB control Program. 85% of the patients were registered with TB DOT Center and were receiving drugs from there while 15% patients were receiving drugs from OPD dispensary and being advised by other OPD specialties. Out of these 15% patients, 12% patients had no knowledge about this unique facility of National TB Control Program providing free diagnostic tests and anti tuberculosis drugs. There is a need for greater health education and training on tuberculosis and DOTS for community.
