A questionnaire on source of information regarding TB, signs and symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment duration and personal and community hygiene relating to TB, was administered to 446 students and employees with an educational status of high school certificate and above.

The main source of information were books and magazines and 86% were aware that the TB germ was the causative agent. Symptoms of TB such as cough (85%) and loss of weight (74%) were well known. Other symptoms such as chest pain (29%), fever (27%) were less known. Sputum examination as a diagnostic tool was known to 68% , while 80% knew about radiograph being used to diagnose the disease. Cough as a method of spread was known to 91%. In this questionnaire the duration of treatment was the least known fact. 28% felt that treatment could be stopped if symptoms disappeared. 16% were aware that the method of sputum disposal was by incineration. The implications are discussed.

This paper reports the feasibility of involving unpaid National Service Scheme (NSS) male student volunteers in a city-based TB programme in supplying drugs and retrieving non-compliant TB patients. Twenty five students were selected after assessing their attitude and were trained on TB drug delivery, home visits and motivation of non-compliant patients. Twenty-three sputum positive patients identified in a medical camp were started on an 8-month SCC regimen. Students supplied the drugs on a weekly basis and defaulters were visited. The treatment completion rate was 83% and defaulter retrieval was 57%. All patients had sputum smear conversion by 2 months and one relapsed during the 24-month follow-up.