A Study to Assess the Knowledge on DOTS, Utilization of DOTS Therapy and Its Compliance among Tuberculosis Patients in Selected Primary Health Centers, Bangalore Urban District

Introduction: Communicable diseases are the major public health problems in India. These are the deadly diseases, which affect the common population today. Tuberculosis is also one of the major communicable disease and chronic condition, it requires continuous medical care. The environment and socio-economic risk associated with this condition are severe in developing countries like India. Objectives: 1) To assess the knowledge on DOTS among tuberculosis patients. 2) To assess the utilization of DOTS among tuberculosis patients. 3) To assess the compliance of DOTS therapy among tuberculosis patients. 4) To find out the association between the levels of knowledge on DOTS with selected demographic variables. Methodology: Non-experimental descriptive survey research design was adopted for the present study. Sample included 60 tuberculosis patients recruited by non-probability purposive sampling method. Structured interview schedule was used for collection of data. Results: The findings showed that 23.3% of the patients had inadequate knowledge as compared to 48.4% respondents with moderate knowledge level and 28.3% respondents with adequate knowledge regarding DOTS therapy, its utilization and compliance. Conclusion: Nearly 50% of samples were having Moderate knowledge regarding DOTS Therapy, its utilization and Compliance.