Tuberculosis control programme - Is it pro poor?

Muniyandi, M and Rajeswari, R and Balasubramanian, R (2004) Tuberculosis control programme - Is it pro poor? SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases and HIV/AIDS, 1 (1). pp. 14-19. ISSN Print: 1818-9741; Online: 2091-0959

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Abstract

Background: TB is a complex socio economic problem that impedes human development and traps the poorest and most marginalized in a vicious circle of disease and poverty. India accounts for 30% of all TB cases in the world. Objective: This paper is focusing on whether the TB programme is outreaching the poorer segment ofthe community. We did a prospective study to assess the economic indices (SLI) of TB patients registered under government TB control programme of Tamil Nadu. This data was compared with that of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data of the community Methods: A semi-structured and pretested schedule was used for data collection. Information elicited through the interview included demographic and socio-economic characteristics such as employment, income, assets of the patient and family. Based on the information collected, standard of living index (SLI) was measured using the NFHS definition and classified as High, medium or low SLI. Results: A total of 980 TB patients were registered during the study period of which 896 (91 %) patients were interviewed for this study. The economic status and SLI of the community compared with that of TB patients registered under the programme was as follows: people owning assets in the form of agriculture land 40%, 15%, owning a house 92%, 74% and livestock 36%, 14% no of persons sharing a room more than 5 persons per room 9%, 28%. The distribution of SLI in the community was low in 51 %, medium in 40% and high in 8% as compared to the distribution of SLI of TB patients where low SLI was observed in 64%, medium in 32% and high in 4%. Conclusion: This study clearly shows that two thirds of TB patients who have access to the TB programme were poor and meets the health need of the most vulnerable segment of the population.

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