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Unmet needs of MDR- TB patients

Content Editor: Dr.KH Reddy

January 23, 2024 at 3:30:00 PM

MDR-TB, Qualitative research, Healthcare research, NTEP, Tuberculosis

Content Editor: Dr.KH Reddy

  • A qualitative study was published recently to identify the unmet needs of MDR-Tb patients.

  • A total of 128 patients registered across 15 Tuberculous units were interviewed for this study.

  • Over 70% of participants were young adults between 15 and 35, unemployed and residing in unauthorized settlements.

  • In-depth interviews were conducted to better understand their journey in TB healthcare, their motivations for seeking care, costs incurred, obstacles faced, and their overall experience in public (NTEP) and private healthcare for TB treatments.

  • As per the results of the qualitative analysis, the following problems with NTEP were highlighted:

  1. Discriminatory behavior

  2. Lack of sanitary isolation wards

  3. Shortage of TB medicine supply at the nearest NTEP center

  4. Distress due to long durations of daily medication leading to suicide attempts.

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