Title : Challenges of implementation of isoniazid preventive therapy among contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh province: Central India
Abstract:
Background: For prevention, care, and control of tuberculosis, isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) is recommended for the treatment of latent infection among contacts. Adherence to this regime is vital for obtaining good results.
Objectives: To ascertain the determinants of the implementation status of IPT among contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis patients in the study area.
Material &Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted using predesigned pretested semi-structured questionnaire among TB cases/caregivers in randomly selected 4 out of 8 TUs of Raipur district during June 2022 to May 2024 to know the determinants of the implementation status of IPT.
Results: Among 142 enlisted cases, 1422 family contacts were identified. Of them, 280 contacts were interviewed. Coverage of IPT was 57%. Drug supply was uninterrupted in 78.6% cases. Some respondents (77; 29.7%) reported lack of information or awareness about the necessity of IPT. They were not informed about it by the health care providers. For prevention of spread of TB infection, majorly (203;72.5%) of participants advocated avoidance of contact with patients, adherence to IPT and use of mask. There were significantly less chances of receiving age appropriate IPT in study participants who were aged less than 5 yrs, illiterates, residing in families with more than 5 members and unemployed; Similarly, illiterate, male <5 yrs, from upper middle class were significantly less likely to get complete duration of IPT (p=<0.05).
Conclusion: IPT coverage in the study was unsatisfactory due to ignorance of the cases/ family members about its need, inadequate screening facilities, poor health seeking behaviour, illiteracy, interrupted supply of IPT and socio-cultural practices in the study.
