Qualitative Study of Nutritional Support-Related Perceptions and Preferences Among Persons Affected by TB, Family Caregivers, and Healthcare Providers in India

Ramraj, Balaji and Nagarajan, Karikalan and Purakayastha, D R and Madhukar, Major and Kumar, M and Raj, N and Unger, B S and Rajamani, N and Bangar, SD and Periyasamy, M and Choudhary, S and Santhoshkumar, Y and Ramesh Kumar, Kumar and Sahay, S and Gupta, N and Padmapriyadarsini, C (2025) Qualitative Study of Nutritional Support-Related Perceptions and Preferences Among Persons Affected by TB, Family Caregivers, and Healthcare Providers in India. Qualitative Study of Nutritional Support-Related Perceptions and Preferences Among Persons Affected by TB, Family Caregivers, and Healthcare Providers in India, 10 (114).

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Abstract

Evidence on the implementation aspects of nutritional support interventions for persons with TB in India is limited. This qualitative study employed focus group discussions with persons with TB (n = 71), their family caregivers (n = 17), and healthcare providers (n = 18). The study was conducted from August 2023 to April 2024 in five states in India. Participants’ knowledge, perceptions, and practices about nutritional intake, experiences, and expectations when accessing nutritional support were explored. Four nutrition-related themes emerged: (a) the experiences and perceptions of persons with tuberculosis and their caregivers, explained by their understanding of the importance of adequate nutrition and TB cures; (b) changes in food practices, explained by protein food adoption, alongside food insecurity experienced by those in poverty; (c) Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)-related issues, explained by insufficiency and access-related gaps; and (d) preferred choices for nutrition support delivery, explained by less preference towards the involvement of intermediaries and a public distribution system alongside preference for the provision of nutrition through treatment facilities. Our findings underscore the importance of the provision of protein-rich food and an increase in financial support based on needs assessments. Mitigating the linkage and access gaps in DBT is needed. The delivery of ready-to-consume food through tuberculosis treatment facilities could be prioritized.

Affiliation:	ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis
Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	nutrition; tuberculosis; family caregivers; healthcare providers; India; DBT
Subjects:	Tuberculosis > Clinical Research Tuberculosis
Divisions:	Clinical Research
Depositing User:	Mrs. N Lakshmi
Date Deposited:	23 Apr 2025 05:10
Last Modified:	23 Apr 2025 05:10
URI:	http://eprints.nirt.res.in/id/eprint/2038

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