Operational Challenges in Conducting a Subnational TB Prevalence Survey in India: Lessons Learned for Resource-Limited, High-Burden Settings

Giridharan, Prathiksha and Murugesan, Havenesh and Selvaraju, Sriram and Frederick, Asha and Selvavinayagam, T S and Nagarajan, Karikalan and Thiruvengadam, Kannan and Krishnan, Rajendran and Paul Kumaran, Paramasivam and Marimuthu, Makeshkumar and Chandrasekeran, Padmapriyadharshini (2024) Operational Challenges in Conducting a Subnational TB Prevalence Survey in India: Lessons Learned for Resource-Limited, High-Burden Settings. Operational Challenges in Conducting a Subnational TB Prevalence Survey in India: Lessons Learned for Resource-Limited, High-Burden Settings, 12 (1). pp. 1-6.

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Abstract

Estimating the burden of TB at the subnational level is critical to planning and prioritizing resources for TB control activities according to the local epidemiological situation. We report the experiences and operational challenges of implementing a TB prevalence survey at the subnational level in India. Information was collected from research reports that gathered data from periodic meetings, informal discussions with study teams, letters of communication, and various site visit reports. During the implementation of the survey, several challenges were encountered, including frequent turnover in human resources, lack of survey participation and community engagement, breakdown of X-ray machines, laboratory issues that delayed sputum sample testing, delays in X-ray reading, and network and Internet connectivity issues that impeded data management. To help ensure the survey was implemented in a timely manner, we developed several solutions, including planning ahead to anticipate challenges, ensuring timely communication, having a high commitment from all stakeholders, having strong team motivation, providing repetitive hands-on training, and involving local leaders to increase community engagement. This experience may help future states and countries that plan to conduct TB prevalence surveys to address these anticipated challenges and develop alternative strategies well in advance.

Affiliation:	ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis
Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Operational Challenges; Prevalence Survey; epidemiological situation; mobile X-ray vans; collecting and transporting sputum; TB prevalence survey; engagement strategies increased participation.
Subjects:	Tuberculosis > Epidemiological Research Tuberculosis
Divisions:	Clinical Research
Depositing User:	Mrs. N Lakshmi
Date Deposited:	12 Feb 2024 05:12
Last Modified:	12 Feb 2024 05:12
URI:	http://eprints.nirt.res.in/id/eprint/1992

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