Treatment outcome of tuberculosis patients in the directly observed treatment short course centres of Dibrugarh, Assam

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), second leading cause of mortality in India. Despite of so many efforts of National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), tuberculosis is still prevalent. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess socio-demographic, clinical profile and treatment outcomes of patients on fixed drug combination (FDC) daily regimen. Methods: Retrospective record-based study was conducted in two DOTS centres of Dibrugarh selected using simple random sampling. A total of 85 medical record were selected and reviewed. Information from treatment card were extracted using a pre-designed online format. Data collected were entered and analysed in SPSS version 25 software and presented using descriptive statistics. Results: Total of 85 patients records were reviewed. Gender ratio was 54.1%: 45.9% for male:female. Majority 31.8% belonged to most productive age group of 25-34 years of age. Treatment completion rate was 80%, cured rate was 18.8% while 1.2% was died. Conclusions: Male gender were reported with higher incidence of Tuberculosis. The low percentage of cure rate suggested the need for strengthening of TB services in the DOTs centres.

Effectiveness of competency-based teaching and comparison to traditional teaching of Phase I MBBS students

Background: During MBBS course, the students’ study about cardiovascular system (CVS) in physiology, pathology, pharmacology, preventive medicine, pediatrics, and medicine for the management and diagnosis of cardiovascular disorders. Blood pressure measurement is a common and a beneficial tool for the diagnosis of cardiovascular disorders (hypertension, hypotension, etc.) along with their treatment and management. Thus, knowing the proper technique of measuring blood pressure becomes an essential part of learning the course and management of cardiovascular disease. This study is designed to teach and train the first phase undergraduate students to measure blood pressure in a proper way so that they do not stumble on the first step of examination of CVS. Competency-based training is an outcome-based approach that involves identifying the skills acquired by Indian medical graduate. Competency-based teaching involves teaching of undergraduate students to support their achievement and assessment of the communication and technical skills and to develop their ability to interpret the results of blood pressure measurement for apt patient management. Aim and Objectives: This study aims to assess and compare the effect of competency-based teaching and traditional teaching in learning the skill of blood pressure measurement. Materials and Methods: Two hundred students were taken from Phase I undergraduate medical students which were randomly divided in two Groups A and B. Competency-based teaching of blood pressure measurement was done in Group A in by teaching method of demonstrate, observe, assist, and perform and Group B was taught by traditional demonstration. Pre-test questionnaire was given to both the groups before beginning of the practical session. The students learning of skill to measure blood pressure was assessed by directly observed procedural skills (DOPS) checklist after which student feedback was provided along with filling up of the post-test questionnaire. Furthermore, feedback from both student and teacher was collected. Results: Highly significant difference was found between pre-test and post-test of both Group A and Group B. Significant difference was found between Group A and Group B post-test scores. It was found that Group A in which competency-based teaching was done scored higher post-test scores then Group B. Furthermore, highly significant difference was seen among the scores of DOPS checklist between Group A and Group B. Conclusion: In the present research study, it was found that the students who underwent competency-based training of the skill of blood pressure measurement showed significantly higher scores in learning and performing the skill. Furthermore, on feedback provided by the students, 96% of the students strongly agree that the competency-based teaching and learning is better than traditional teaching.

Association of socio-demographic profile with types of tuberculosis among patients attending a rural DOTS centre in central Kerala, South India

Background:Re-evaluation of the epidemiological profile of tuberculosis (TB) patients can help to eliminate the number of cases. This study was aimed to analyse the association of socio-demographic profile with type of TB among patients attending a rural DOTS centrein central Kerala.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among TB patients at a rural DOTS clinic in central Kerala during January 2020-June 2021. Various socio-demographic parameters such as age, gender and socio-economic status and comorbidities of patients with pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB were retrieved from the DOTS register. The data was analyzed.Results: A total of 241 patients (134 males and 107 females) were enrolled. In general, age group 41-60 years showed maximum incidence (p=0.0283). Lower middle (32.7%) and middle class (36.5%) strata constituted the majority of burden (p=0.9091). The distribution of cases was not associated to occupation (p=0.06). Extrapulmonary form (55%) was found to be predominant with very poor awareness (p=0.06). A significant delay of at least 1-3 months in recognizing the symptoms and thus the clinical diagnosis particularly in extrapulmonary cases was found. Diabetes mellitus was the most frequent comorbidity in TB patients.Conclusions: The prevalence was most common in age group 41-60 years without any association to occupation. Since the diabetes mellitus is the most frequent comorbidity in TB patients, early screening will make an effective management. Society oriented awareness programme about the extrapulmonary TB is inevitable

Evaluating the effect of flipped classroom combined with TBL by DOPS in clinical practice teaching for interns in ophthalmology / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To explore the effect of flipped classroom combined with team-based learning(TBL)in ophthalmology practice teaching by applying directly observed procedural skills(DOPS). METHODS: A total of 54 students of clinical medicine “5+3” integration and clinical medicine for five years, interned at the department of ophthalmology from June 15th to November 14th, 2021 were divided into traditional teaching group(group A)and flipped classroom combined with TBL group(group B). The teaching effects of slit lamp microscopy and direct ophthalmoscopy in group A and group B were compared by DOPS score, and Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis.RESULTS: Total DOPS score for slit-lamp microscopy in group A was 59(58.00, 60.00)points,which was significantly lower than that of group B 63(61.00,65.00)points(P<0.001). The DOPS score for direct ophthalmoscopy in group A was 63(61.00, 63.75)points, which was significantly lower than that of group B, 66(63.75,66.25)points(P<0.001). In the two operations and especially in the aspects of “understanding of complications,relevant anatomical structure and proficiency in operation”“preparatory work” and “technical ability of operation”, the scores of group B was significantly higher than those of group A(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Flipped classroom combined with TBL has significant advantages in clinical practice teaching for interns in ophthalmology, which is worthy of promotion and application compared with traditional teaching.

Outcomes of tuberculosis treatment in a tertiary health facility in north-central Nigeria

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern despite being a curable and preventable disease. The treatment of TB using a cocktail of drugs over a period of six months under the directly observed treatment short-course strategy has led to a reduction in cases but is plagued by some challenges that leads to unsuccessful or poor outcomes, which can ultimately result in spread of infections, development of drug resistance and increase in morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study are to determine outcomes of TB treatment in Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria and the factors that may be associated with the outcomes. Methodology: This was a retrospective study using the medical records of patients who were registered for TB treatment over a five-year period between 2016 to 2020. Data from TB registers including demographic and relevant clinical information, and treatment outcomes, were extracted into a structured data extraction format, and analysed with SPSS version 21.0 software package. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted, and Chi square test was used to determine association between TB outcomes and independent variables at 95% confidence interval and p<0.05 was considered as the significant value. Results: Records of 1,313 patients were studied, 744 (56.7%) were males while 569 (43.3%) were females. The age range of the patients was ≤ 1 year - 96 years, with a mean age of 30±16.7 years. Most were pulmonary TB cases (88.8%, n=1,166), newly diagnosed (95.5%, n=1254), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative at the time of TB diagnosis (63.7%, n=837). Eight hundred and seven (61.5%) patients had successful treatment, and 34% (n=446) had unsuccessful outcomes made of 'loss to follow-up' 25.8% (n=339), deaths 7.8% (n=102) and treatment failure 0.4% (n=5), while 2.3% (n=30) were transferred out and 2.3% (n=30) removed from TB register. Treatment success rate was significantly higher in patients with pulmonary TB (p=0.0024), residents in Lafia LGA (p=0.0005), those treated in 2016 (p=0.0006) and bacteriologically confirmed cases (p<0.0001), while death rate was significantly lower among patients who were HIV-negative at the time of TB diagnosis (p<0.0001). Conclusion: TB treatment success rate in this study fell short of the WHO average rate. High rates of 'loss to followup' and deaths in this study is a wake-up call to all stakeholders in the facility and the State to put in place measures to reduce poor outcomes of TB treatment.

Control de la tuberculosis en un sistema penitenciario brasileño: un estudio con métodos mixtos / Controle da tuberculose em um sistema prisional brasileiro: um estudo com métodos mistos / Tuberculosis control in a Brazilian prison system: a mixed methods study

Resumen Objetivo analizar el control de la tuberculosis en un sistema penitenciario de un Estado brasileño. Método estudio mixto explicativo secuencial. Fase I: descriptiva retrospectiva de los casos de tuberculosis en presos del estado de São Paulo en el periodo 2010-2016. Los casos se analizaron con frecuencias simples en el software SPSS 20.0 de la IBM y tendencia temporal en el software Stata/SE 14.0, por auto regresión de Prais-Winsten. Fase II: cualitativa. Se realizó con seis informantes-clave (profesionales sanitarios de una prisión) con base en la Teoría Fundamentada Constructivista. Resultados de 16.640 casos, 95,8% eran pulmonares, la Demanda Ambulatoria posibilitó el diagnóstico del 51,4%, y la curación fue la conclusión de tratamiento más frecuente. La categoría central fue: "Hacer bien su trabajo" y las subcategorías fueron: "Descubrir la enfermedad" e "Implicarse en el tratamiento". Éstas señalaron las estrategias y acciones desarrolladas por los profesionales para diagnosticar y tratar a los presos enfermos. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica los resultados sugieren una importante situación de la tuberculosis en penitenciarías, lo que trae consigo la necesidad de mejor articulación con el equipo de seguridad para un adecuado desarrollo de las estrategias que posibilitan un diagnóstico temprano y un tratamiento adecuado.

Resumo Objetivo analisar o controle da tuberculose em um sistema prisional de um Estado brasileiro. Método estudo sequencial, misto, explanatório: fase I - retrospectiva descritiva em que foram incluídos todos os casos de tuberculose em presidiários de um Estado brasileiro, período 2010-2016, e analisados ​​por frequências simples, no software IBM SPSS 20.0, e tendência temporal, no Software Stata / SE 14.0, por autorregressão de Prais-Winsten; Fase II - qualitativa, realizada com seis informantes-chave (profissionais de saúde de uma prisão), e a análise ocorreu segundo os procedimentos da Teoria Fundamentada Construtivista. Resultados dos 16.640 casos, 95,8% eram pulmonares, a Demanda Ambulatorial permitiu o diagnóstico de 51,4%, e a cura foi a finalização de tratamento mais frequente. "Fazer bem o seu Trabalho" foi apresentado como categoria central, e as subcategorias, "Descobrindo a doença" e "Envolvendo-se no tratamento", indicaram as estratégias e ações desenvolvidas pelos profissionais para diagnosticar e tratar os presos enfermos. Conclusão e implicações para a prática os resultados sugerem uma situação importante da tuberculose nas prisões, sendo necessária uma melhor articulação com a equipe de Segurança para o desenvolvimento adequado de estratégias que permitam um diagnóstico precoce e tratamento adequado.

Abstract Objective to analyze tuberculosis control in a prison system of a Brazilian state. Method this was a sequential explanatory mixed study. In phase I, a quantitative retrospective description was conducted of recorded tuberculosis cases among prisoners in the state of São Paulo from 2010-2016, which were analyzed using simple frequencies with IBM SPSS 20.0 software and time-trend with Stata software/SE 14.0 via Prais-Winsten regression. Phase II was qualitative and was based on interviews with six key informants (health professionals working at a prison). Data analysis took place according to the procedures set forth in constructivist grounded theory. Results of 16,640 cases of tuberculosis, 95.8% were pulmonary, outpatient care accounted for the diagnosis in 51.4% of cases, and tuberculosis cure was the most frequent treatment outcome. "Doing your job well" emerged as the central category, while the subcategories: "discovering the disease" and "getting involved in treatment" described the strategies and actions developed by the professionals to diagnose and treat sick prisoners. Conclusions and implications for practice the results indicate the significant presence of tuberculosis in penitentiaries and the need to better coordinate the actions of security teams with health staff to develop adequate strategies that allow for early diagnosis and proper treatment.

Percepções de enfermeiros e doentes sobre a adesão ao tratamento diretamente observado em tuberculose / Percepciones de enfermeros y pacientes sobre la adhesión al tratamiento diretamente observado en tuberculosis / Perceptions of nurses and patients on adherence to the directly observed treatment in tuberculosis

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar os fatores intervenientes na adesão ao tratamento diretamente observado em tuberculose, na percepção de doentes e de enfermeiros de unidades básicas de saúde. Método: pesquisa qualitativa descritiva com participação de 13 enfermeiros e 52 doentes de 12 Unidades Básicas de Saúde de Belém-Pará, Brasil. Para produção dos dados, realizaramse entrevistas individuais, complementadas por observação não participativa. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados: da análise emergiram duas categorias: Percepções sobre o tratamento diretamente observado de doentes e enfermeiros e Operacionalização do tratamento diretamente observado: aspectos positivos e limitantes. Conclusão: mesmo com as fragilidades apontadas, as unidades apresentam potencial para desenvolver a estratégia. Os enfermeiros são sensíveis à sua importância, mas necessitam de maior apoio institucional, e os doentes, quando bem esclarecidos, conseguem fazer uma boa adesão. Esse conhecimento pode proporcionar maior segurança para os enfermeiros na condução do acompanhamento aos pacientes.

RESUMEN: Objetivo: analizar los factores intervinientes en la adhesión al tratamiento directamente observado en tuberculosis, según la percepción de pacientes y enfermeros de unidades básicas de salud. Método: investigación cualitativa y descriptiva con la participación de 13 enfermeros y 52 pacientes de 12 Unidades Básicas de Salud de Belém-Pará, Brasil. Para la producción de los datos, se realizaron entrevistas individuales, complementadas con observación no participativa. Los datos se sometieron a análisis de contenido temático. Resultados: surgieron dos categorías del análisis: Percepciones de pacientes y enfermeros sobre el tratamiento directamente observado, y Operacionalización del tratamiento directamente observado: aspectos positivos y limitantes. Conclusión: incluso con las debilidades señaladas, las unidades tienen potencial para desarrollar la estrategia. Los enfermeros reconocen su importancia, pero necesitan más apoyo institucional; y los pacientes, cuando están bien informados, logran buenos índices de adhesión al tratamiento. Este conocimiento puede proporcionar mayor seguridad a los enfermeros al realizar el seguimiento de los pacientes.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the intervening factors in adherence to the directly observed treatment in tuberculosis, in the perception of patients and nurses of basic health units. Method: a descriptive and qualitative research study with the participation of 13 nurses and 52 patients of 12 Basic Health Units of Belém-Pará, Brazil. For data production, individual interviews were conducted, complemented by non-participant observation. The data were submitted to thematic content analysis. Results: two categories emerged from the analysis: Perceptions of patients and nurses on the directly observed treatment, and Operationalization of the directly observed treatment: positive and limiting factors. Conclusion: even with the weaknesses pointed out, the units have potential to develop the strategy. The nurses are aware of their importance, but need greater institutional support, and the patients, when well informed, show good adherence. This knowledge can provide greater safety for the nurses in the conduction of patient follow-up.

El VOT: una opción atractiva en la administración del tratamiento de la tuberculosis / Video Observed Treatment, an attractive option for the administration of tuberculosis therapy

Resumen El VOT (video observed treatment) es la autoadministración de la terapia certificada mediante registro de imágenes en video y podría constituir para algunos pacientes una alternativa complementaria al DOT (directly observed treatment) en la administración del tratamiento ambulatorio de la Tuberculosis en Centros de Salud Primarios. Existen evidencias internacionales en que la estrategia VOT mejora la adherencia al tratamiento, empodera a los pacientes, reduce los costos para pacientes y el sistema de salud y ahorra el tiempo dedicado por los pacientes al traslado a centros de terapia. La disponibilidad masiva de teléfonos portátiles con capacidad de trasmitir videos en la población de Chile podría permitir realizar una investigación piloto de VOT.

VOT (Video Observed Treatment) is a video certificated self-administration of therapy and could be complementary to DOT (Directly Observed Treatment) for the administration of ambulatory tuberculosis treatment at Primary Health Centers. Reviewed international experience and evidence indicates that VOT improves treatment adherence, empowers patients, reduces health system costs and saves patient's transfer time to Therapy Centers. Given the high penetration of smartphones with videocall software in the Chilean population, the pre-requisites are provided to consider a VOT pilot research in Chile.

Adverse drug reactions in patients taking anti tuberculosis therapy from directly observed treatment short course centre at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya: a cross sectional study

Background: Ending the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic by 2030 is among the health targets of the sustainable development goals. Side effects to anti-TB drugs are common and may lead to reduced compliance to treatment. These adverse effects must be recognized early to reduce associated morbidity and mortality. Objective of this study was to determine the adverse drug reactions (ADR) to anti-tubercular therapy among patients visiting directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) centre MIMS, Mandya.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at DOTS Centre MIMS, Mandya. TB patients registered at DOTS Centre during the year 2018 were selected for the study. Verbal informed consent was taken from the TB patients and interviewed using pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and chi square test.Results: Among the study population (n=90), 67 (74.4%) experienced ADR among which 47.7% took treatment for ADR and the remaining 52.3% patients were given reassurance. In this study, gastrointestinal manifestations (42.3%) were the most common adverse drug reaction (ADR). Of the TB patients who experienced ADR, 9.0% of them had interrupted ATT, however they completed full course of ATT.Conclusions: A considerable number of TB patients taking ATT experience ADRs and some of them may have to interrupt treatment. However, they need to be counselled or supervised with caution to complete their course of treatment to reduce the chances of treatment default and also reduce the occurrence of drug resistance.

Estratégia Saúde da Família e determinantes para o tratamento diretamente observado da tuberculose no Brasil: estudo transversal com dados do sistema de vigilância, 2014-2016 / Estrategia Salud Familiar y determinantes para el tratamiento directamente observado de la tuberculosis en Brasil: un estudio transversal con datos del Sistema de Vigilancia, 2014-2016 / Family Health Strategy and determinants of directly observed treatment for tuberculosis in Brazil: a cross-sectional study with surveillance system data, 2014-2016

Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre determinantes da tuberculose e a realização do tratamento diretamente observado (TDO), sob diferentes níveis de cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com dados dos casos de tuberculose notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação entre 2014 e 2016, e da cobertura da ESF no município de residência. Empregou-se regressão logística. Resultados: Foram incluídos 177.626 indivíduos; ser etilista (odds ratio [OR] de 1,09 - intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] de 1,03 a 1,16), estar privado de liberdade (OR=1,21 - IC95% 1,12;1,32) e apresentar baciloscopia positiva (OR=1,15 - IC95% 1,10;1,21) aumentaram as chances de realização do TDO. Quando estratificadas por cobertura da ESF, essas associações viram-se enfraquecidas no maior estrato de cobertura. Conclusão: A realização do TDO associou-se a determinantes da tuberculose; contudo, a associação não se confirmou entre residentes de municípios com maiores coberturas da ESF.

Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre los determinantes de la tuberculosis y el desempeño del Tratamiento Directamente Observado (TDO) en diferentes coberturas de la Estrategia de Salud Familiar (ESF) en Brasil. Métodos: Estudio transversal con casos de tuberculosis notificados entre 2014 y 2016 en el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Notificación y cobertura de la Estrategia de Salud Familiar en el municipio de residencia. Se utilizó regresión logística. Resultados: Se incluyeron 177,626 individuos. Tener alcoholismo (odds ratio (OR) 1,09 - intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC95%) 1,03; 1,16), estar privados de libertad (OR=1.21 - IC95% 1,12;1.32) y tener baciloscopia positiva (OR=1,15 - IC95%1,10;1,21) aumentó las posibilidades de realizar el TDO. Cuando se estratificó por cobertura de ESF, estas asociaciones disminuyen en el estrato de mayor cobertura. Conclusión: El TDO se asoció a determinantes de la tuberculosis, sin embargo, no se confirmó entre los residentes en municipios con mayor cobertura de ESF.

Objective: To assess the association between tuberculosis determinants and performance of directly observed treatment (DOT) under different levels of Family Health Strategy (FHS) coverage in Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using data on tuberculosis cases notified between 2014 and 2016 on the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System, as well as data on FHS coverage in the municipality of residence. Logistic regression was used. Results: 177,626 individuals were included; being an alcohol user (odds ratio (OR) 1.09 - 95% confidence interval % [95%CI] 1.03;1.16), being deprived of liberty (OR=1.21 - 95%CI 1.12;1.32) and positive sputum smear microscopy (OR=1.15 - 95%CI 1.10;1.21) increased the chances of DOT being performed . When stratified by FHS coverage, these associations became weak in the highest stratum of coverage. Conclusion: DOT being performed was associated with determinants of tuberculosis. However, association was not confirmed among residents in municipalities with higher FHS coverage.

Transmission and prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis in a Brazilian setting under a directly observed therapy short-course strategy

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We aimed to estimate the prevalence and transmission of drug-resistant tuberculosis in a high-burden Brazilian setting under directly observed therapy short-course strategy. METHODS: Isolates of culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis patients from Guarulhos, Brazil, diagnosed in October 2007-2011 were subjected to drug susceptibility and IS6110-restriction fragment length polymorphism testing. RESULTS: The overall resistance prevalence was 11.5% and the multi-drug resistance rate was 4.2%. Twenty-six (43.3%) of 60 drug-resistant isolates were clustered. Epidemiological relationships were identified in 11 (42.3%) patients; 30.8% of the cases were transmitted in households. CONCLUSIONS: Drug-resistant tuberculosis was relatively low and transmitted in households and the community.

Analysis of Risk Factors Affecting Sputum Conversion at the End of Intensive Phase Under DOTS for Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Introduction: Microbiologically confirmed pulmonarytuberculosis patients under Revised National TuberculosisControl Programme (RNTCP) are treated with a 6-monthshort-course chemotherapy (SCC) regimen irrespectiveof co-morbid conditions. The aim of present study was todetermine the time taken for SSC conversion with standardcurrent treatment with anti-tubercular drugs and analysis ofrisk factors if any delaying it. We undertook this prospectivestudy to compare sputum conversion rates (smear) at the endof intensive phase (IP) of Category regimen.Material and methods: was a prospective study which wasconducted for a period of eleven months from August 2018 toJune 2019 at Department of Respiratory Medicine, K.N ChestHospital, S.N Medical College, Jodhpur Rajasthan India.Patients visiting Department of Respiratory medicine and whowere diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis by sputum smearexamination were included in study.Result: Sputum smear-positive patients are infectious to closecontacts as well as to community as they continue to expelbacilli for a variable period of time after initiation of DOTSregimen. Most patients undergo sputum conversion by theend of 3rd month. Patients who have predominant cavitatorydisease in radiology, high smear grading before treatment, aprior history of DS/DR tuberculosis are more likely to havedelayed sputum smear conversion.Conclusion: There need to mandate DST at the starting ofDOTS in line with latest RNTCP guidelines to prevent thedevelopment of MDR strains and failures. Also there is astrong need to constitute strong infection control measures tillpatients are labelled as noninfectious.

Tratamento gravado em vídeo diretamente observado: uma ferramenta possível em saúde mental / Treatment recorded in directly observed video: a possible tool in mental health

Descreve-se a experiencia da utilização do tratamento gravado em vídeo um serviço público de saúde mental, em uma cidade do Recôncavo da Bahia. Os vídeos foram enviados por Serviço de Mensagens Multimídia (SMS). Tal técnica foi decisiva, para que uma usuária do serviço de saúde mental fizesse uso diariamente, de suas medicações sem qualquer falha, o que possibilitou uma rápida melhora de sua produção delirante. Sugere-se que a introdução das gravações diretamente observadas no período agudo dos quadros de transtornos mentais graves poderia favorecer um melhor desfecho terapêutico, pois pode trazer a segurança do correto uso das medicações nestes momentos.

We will describe the experience of using Directly Observed Video Recorded Therapy with a mental health user in a city in the Recôncavo da Bahia. The videos were sent by Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). This technique was decisive for her daily use of her medications without any failure, which enabled a rapid improvement of her delusional production. We suggest that the introduction of directly observed recordings in the acute period of severe mental disorders could favor a better therapeutic outcome, since it would provide the safety of the correct use of medications at this time.

Incidence of adverse drug reactions in patients taking anti-tuberculosis treatment

Background: High incidence of infection has caused a large number of morbidity and mortality which is partly due to serious adverse reactions induced by Anti-Tuberculosis (Anti-TB) drugs. In present prospective study an attempt is made to estimate the incidence and risk factor for ADRs among patients treated for tuberculosis.Methods: All the new patients starting their treatment with selected six DOT center were enrolled in study. All patient's complete clinical history was recorded. They were followed regularly for occurrence of ADR till end of their treatment.Results: Total of 108 patients (67 male and 41 female) had taken and completed their treatment during the study period (March 2007 - April 2008) and were observed for occurrence of ADR during their treatment period. Out of total108, 28 patients (25.9%) experienced one of the ADR, out of 28 patients, 12 (42.85%) patients developed GIT intolerance, and hepatitis was seen in 8 (28.57%) patients, while 4 (14.48%) patients developed skin reactions. Only 3 (7.14%) patient developed dizziness and loss of balance, which was relieved by reduction of dose of streptomycin.Conclusions: With close monitoring and on time action, RNTCP DOTs regimens can be safely and successfully administrated.

Sputum smear conversion rate of adult pulmonary tuberculosis patients under directly observed treatment shortcourse in Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore

Background: Tuberculosis is among the most important causes of death from a single infectious agent and a major public health problem causing an enormous burden of disease and economic impact especially in the developing countries. Pulmonary tuberculosis is the most common form of tuberculosis causing >85% of all tuberculosis cases. The smear conversion rate is an operational indicator for the directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) strategy of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) in India.Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted in DMC, RRMCH, in the first two quarters of the year 2013 i.e., from January 1st to June 31st of the year 2013. All 130 adult category I (new) sputum smear positive cases that attended DMC, and registered under RNTCP constituted the sample for the study. Data was collected by interview method by using pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.Results: Majority of the study subjects was >50 years, Hindus, illiterates, belonged to nuclear family from rural area belonged to upper lower socio-economic class. The overall sputum smear conversion rate is 92.4%. Lower sputum smear conversion rate was observed in the following risk factors like the male gender, smoking, diabetes, initial high pre-treatment smear grading and poor drug compliance.Conclusions: The overall sputum conversion rate at the end of two months of intensive phase under (DOTS) chemotherapy in 118 sputum smear positive (cat I) new pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Designated Microscopy and Treatment Centre (DMC) Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital was 92.4%.

Workplace based clinical procedural skills assessment using directly observed procedural skills in interns in Otorhinolaryngology rotation

Background: In view of changing requirements in healthcare systems and planned reforms of medical education curricula, effective teaching and assessment of clinical skills in the undergraduate setting has become more and more important. There is a need for implementation of newer methods of evaluation keeping in mind the principles of adult learning and self-directed learning. DOPS (directly observed procedural skills) is a highly structured assessment tool for assessment of the practical work performed by a trainee on a real patient under supervision of experienced faculty. This study aimed to make use of DOPS as a method of workplace based assessment for interns in otorhinolaryngology posting.Methods: 15 interns posted in department of otorhinolaryngology participated in the study. Three clinical procedural skills included were anterior rhinoscopy, otoscopy and indirect laryngoscopy. Three DOPS were undertaken for each skill. The performance was noted as DOPS ratings. The results were tabulated and statistically analysed.Results: A total of 135 DOPS were undertaken for 15 interns. Mean overall DOPS rating improved from DOPS 1 to DOPS 3. The difference in value between DOPS 1 and 3 for anterior rhinoscopy was statistically significant. For otoscopy and indirect laryngology, the difference between DOPS 1 and 2, DOPS 1 and 3 was statistically significant. Both faculty and interns found DOPS to be an efficient tool for assessment.Conclusions: DOPS  is a cost effective assessment tool. It has an effective role in facilitating students’ learning and skill development as it is based on the direct observation of trainees’ procedural skills in real clinical environment.

Effectiveness of daily directly observed treatment, short-course regimen among patients registered for treatment at an urban primary health center in Bengaluru

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in India with high morbidity and mortality. As per the World Health Organization guidelines, the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program introduced daily directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) regimen with a fixed-dose combination with weight bands. This study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of daily DOTS regimen with intermittent regimen and to assess the proportion of adverse drug reactions in both groups. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted at a peripheral health institute under one of the TB Units in South Bengaluru. Participants registered for treatment during the third and fourth quarter of 2017 were selected using continuous sampling. Data were collected by case record analysis, structured interviews, and telephonic follow-up. Results: The study included 81 participants, with the mean age of 40 ± 16.1 years. Majority of the study participants 55 (67.9%) were male, and majority (38 [46.9%]) belonged to the upper-lower class. Forty-two (51.8%) of the study participants were on intermittent regimen, and 39 (48.1%) were on daily DOTS regimen. There was 100% sputum conversion at the end of treatment under both treatment regimens. A total of 36 (85.7%) participants under intermittent regimen and nine (23%) under daily regimen developed one or the other adverse drug reactions. The treatment success for participants under intermittent regimen was 38 (90.47%) and that for daily regimen was 35 (89.74%). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Both daily and intermittent DOTS regimens are equally effective in TB treatment, but adverse drug reactions were more common with the intermittent regimen.

Factors influencing compliance to directly observed treatment, short course therapy and effectiveness of awareness program on knowledge and compliance

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most infectious diseases if not treated properly it may lead to mortality. The directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS) therapy is the choice of the treatment of TB. Objectives: The objectives of the study were (1) to determine the factors influencing compliance of persons with TB to DOTS, (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of an awareness program on knowledge and compliance to DOTS among persons with TB, (3) to find the association between pre-test level of knowledge with selected sociodemographic variables, and (4) to find the association between pre-test level of compliance to DOTS with selected sociodemographic variables. Materials and Methods: An evaluative approach with one group pre-test and post-test design was used as a research design in the study. 50 participants were selected as a sample using purposive sampling technique. The data were collected using structured knowledge questionnaire and compliance checklist through interview schedule Results: The study result showed that the mean post-test knowledge score (17.32 ± 1.58) was higher than the mean pre-test knowledge score (10.80 ± 2.05) and “t” value is 27.22 at P < 0.05. Similarly, the mean post-test compliance score (8.92 + 0.72) was higher than the mean pre-test compliance score (6.00 ± 1.05) and “t” value is 9.369 at P < 0.05. The sociodemographic variable such as age and educational status was significantly associated with pre-test knowledge score (χ² = 5.993, P < 0.05, and χ² = 11.49, P < 0.05), respectively, and gender was significantly associated with pre-test compliance score (χ² = 4.482, P < 0.05). The main reason for noncompliance to DOTS therapy was difficult to take multiple drugs for a long period and data showed that family support (29.55%) was highly influencing to comply with DOTS therapy. Conclusion: The awareness program was highly effective in increasing knowledge among TB person and compliance to DOTS therapy. Therefore, the knowledge and compliance of the TB person to DOTS therapy can be further improved by providing on-going awareness programs.

Depression among tuberculosis patients attending a DOTS centre in a rural area of Delhi: A cross-sectional study

Background: Studies have shown that the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, is high among tuberculosis (TB) patients, and may adversely affect treatment compliance. A person suffering from TB can develop depression in due course of time owing to a number of factors, namely the long duration of treatment for TB, stigmatization faced by the patient due to the disease and lack of family support to name a few. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and its correlates among TB patients enrolled at a Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) center in a rural area of Delhi. Methods: The study was a DOTS center-based, cross-sectional study, among 106 patients of pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB, above 18 years of age. An interviewer-administered questionnaire in Hindi was used to collect basic sociodemographic data and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 was used for detecting depression. Those with a score of 10 or more were considered to be suffering from depression. Data analysis was done using SPSS licensed version 20. Chi-square was used to test for association between qualitative variables, and a P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 106 patients participated in the study, of which 61 (57.5%) were males. The median age was 30 years (inter-quartile range 24� years). Depression was found to be present in 25 (23.6%) participants. A higher proportion of patients with depression were unemployed currently, and also belonged to middle or lower class (P < 0.05). Depression was not found to be associated with religion, gender, marital status, HIV status, presence of diabetes, DOTS category nor with the phase of treatment. Conclusion: Depression among TB patients is common, affecting almost one in four TB patients. Physicians and DOTS providers should have a high index of suspicion for depression when assessing TB patients.

Outputs and Outcome of the Pharmacy Directly-Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) Initiative in the Philippines

@#<p><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> This was an evaluation of the effectiveness of the technical assistance package for the Pharmacy DOTS Initiative (PDI) in the Philippines.</p><p><strong>METHODOLOGY:</strong> Five pre-identified implementation sites were included in the evaluation. A survey was conducted to ascertain pharmacies currently implementing PDI and the number of TB presumptive cases referred by these pharmacies. Data abstraction was performed to determine the change in the number of TB cases seen by local TB programs after its implementation.</p><p><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Findings revealed that the proportion of pharmacies actively referring presumptive TB patients is not significantly lower than 60% (p=0.1892). Furthermore, results showed that the average monthly referrals were not statistically lower than 20 clients per month (p=0.9159). Nevertheless, interrupted time series analysis found no statistically significant immediate effects (p=0.516) and long-term effects (p=0.3673) on the total number of new TB cases identified after the PDI was implemented in the year 2014.</p><p><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> The PDI was able to achieve outputs related to pharmacy engagement and referral of TB presumptive clients. However, the PDI was unsuccessful in increasing the actual number of TB presumptive cases seen by local TB programs in its implementation sites.</p>