206 |
AU |
: |
Ghosh TN, Basu BK & Bhagi RP |
TI |
: |
Treatment defaults among tuberculosis patients seen
in a rural clinic near Delhi. |
SO |
: |
INDIAN J CHEST DIS 1972, 14, 28-31. |
DT |
: |
Per |
AB |
: |
The study, conducted during 1968-1971, examined
reasons for treatment default. More than 50% of the patients (742
out of 1,342) became defaulters in a Rural TB Clinic near Delhi.
The defaulters were contacted in three different ways. The findings
revealed that males predominated among the defaulters. About two
thirds of the defaulters visited the clinics within 2 months but
the rest had to be persuaded after a visit to their home. Among
the causes of defaults, carelessness on the part of patients and,
lack of proper education by the health visitors of the clinic, predominated.
In the patients who did not come within 2 months of treatment, a
visit by the health visitors was the most effective way to convert
them. Communication to them by community representatives did not
succeed. This shows that more members of staff (both the health
visitors and doctors) are needed in rural clinics.
|
KEYWORDS: DEFAULT; INDIA. |