A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding the Dots Regimen and Factors Related to Non Compliance among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Selected Tuberculosis Units in Kamrup District, Assam

Background: Worldwide tuberculosis is one of the top 10 causes of death. Incomplete adherence to treatment has been identified as the most serious problem among the people living with the tuberculosis and major obstacle to the elimination of the disease from the community. Objective: To assess the knowledge regarding the DOTS regimen and factors related to non compliance among pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Material and method: A descriptive study was conducted in selected tuberculosis units.160 participants were selected using consecutive sampling technique. Data were collected from the participants by face-to-face interview schedule using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Results: Majority of the participants 122(76.2%) had adequate knowledge, only 38(23.8%) had moderate knowledge with mean score of 7.77 ? 0.549. Not single participants found to have inadequate knowledge. Overall rate of non compliance was found 23.8%. Experienced side effect and long duration of treatment were found to be a major reason for non compliance. There was significant association between knowledge regarding DOTS regimen with selected socio demographic variables. There was also significant association between factors related to non compliance with selected demographic variables. Conclusion: Experience of side effect and long duration of treatment were found to be major reasons for non compliance.