Assess The Factors Influencing Compliance toDOTSTherapy Among Tuberculosis Patients Under National Tuberculosis Elimination Program atDOTSCenter, KGMU, Lucknow(INDIA)

Background- Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that spreads very easily through droplets of an infected patient. Mortality and morbidity from TB have been so high in spite of taking precautions at the global level. India is having highest burden of TB globally and TB is the 5th leading cause of death in India among all diseases. Non-compliance of drugs is a major constraint in reducing the impact of disease in community. Still there are large numbers of patients who complete the DOTS therapy and get fully cured.   Method- The objective of the study was to assess factors influencing compliance to DOTS therapy and to find out the association between compliance factors score and selected socio demographic variables among tuberculosis patients receiving DOTS therapy at DOTS center, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow (INDIA). 110 tuberculosis patients were selected through non probability purposive sampling technique and were assessed with structured interview schedule.   Results- Results shows that the Nikshay Poshan Yojna, a nutritional monetary support program for TB patients in India has an obvious effective role in achieving the objectives of National Tuberculosis Elimination Program run by Government of India. That shows the importance of remarkable remuneration along with all conventional methods for assisting in the compliance of tuberculosis drug. It has a significant presence among the factors that help in influencing the patients to complete their treatment. The mean percentage score of factors that influence compliance to DOTS therapy was 99.2% for Knowledge about tuberculosis and its practice followed by financial support (99%), support from family members (98.4%), material assistance in the form of drugs & health care facilities and psychological support both 97.67%. Other factors for influencing compliance to DOTS therapy were found to be effective as self-assistance & motivation (92.4%) followed by IEC assistance (91.67%) and Nikshay Poshan Yojna (29.6%) that provides monetary support to patients in order to fulfill their nutritional requirements. There was no association found between compliance factors score and socio demographic variables.   Conclusion- The study concluded that in order to achieve the objectives of National Tuberculosis Elimination Program it becomes most important to maintain the absolute compliance of DOTS therapy among tuberculosis patients by enhancing their knowledge about tuberculosis and its practice, support from family, material assistance in the form of drugs & health care facilities. Monetary support given under Nikshay Poshan Yojna of National Tuberculosis Elimination Program is found to be significantly effective to motivate patients to take drugs regularly. It can also be improved by providing fund every month on time, so that it can be more reliable for the tuberculosis patients and they can utilize it for their nutritional requirement. In future the amount for nutritional support should also be increased by the government.