Challenges in the implementation of tuberculosis contact screening and tuberculosis preventive therapy in the paediatric age group in rural South India

Introduction Tuberculosis remains a major cause of morbidity and death from infectious diseases in children of all ages globally, particularly in young children. In India, childhood Tuberculosis is a staggering problem, contributing to approximately 31% of the global burden. It is a good strategy for the early identification of children eligible for isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) and for preventing susceptible children from developing the disease following a recent infection from household Sputum-positive TB patients. Aim This study aims to identify challenges faced by healthcare providers in implementing paediatric contact screening and chemoprophylaxis for household contacts of TB patients. Objectives 1) Assess knowledge of TB screening and preventive therapy among healthcare providers. 2) Identify factors influencing implementation. 3) Evaluate the level of contact tracing and TPT implementation through qualitative and quantitative analysis. Methods We used a mixed-method study design, wherein the quantitative phase (secondary data analysis and house-to-house survey) was followed by the qualitative phase (Interviews). The present study was conducted in one TU (Srikakulam TU). Results In our study, 77 primary index sputum-positive patients had 114 child contacts ( Conclusion Our study concluded that the implementation of TPT and screening of child contact were implemented properly in our district. Doctors play a major role in eliminating TB so NTEP needs to provide regular knowledge to the practicing doctors. Stigma-related disclosure of TB disease is to be reduced by individual and mass campaigns. As TPT is not under supervision so there is no clarification about TPT drug adherence. As doctors, we are the primary ones to diagnose a TB case and if a doctor advises the patient about screening and TPT, the entire scenario changes. As knowledgeable people, doctors should be the initial people in the implementation of TPT, and it is continued by peripheral health care workers. TB elimination can be achieved only by the active participation of NTEP-trained and committed doctors and healthcare workers.