Abstract:
Introduction:
Health seeking behavior plays important role in early diagnosis and prompt treatment in TB care. Identification of factors influencing TB care could help in better programmatic impact and overall outcome of TB care.
Material and Methods:
This cross sectional study was conducted among 262 Pulmonary TB Pt during Nov – Oct 2022. In-depth interviews were done among study subjects. After informed consent.
Results:
Out of all 262 study participants interviewed mean age was 36.7 ± 16 years; 25.39% were illiterate. Most (97.2%) participants didn’t know earlier sign & symptoms of TB; 91.7% didn’t know which health care facility to be accessed for the same while 85% had accustomed to visit private health facilities for common illnesses. About one third (32%) participants got appropriate treatment on 1st contact followed by 55%, 71.4%, 81.82% and 100% in subsequent contacts. (14.3%) had a fear of TB. Waiting time to access TB care at Public health facility was for 31 days (31 ± 45 days) and 57 days (± 60 days). Male, self-medication, ignorant to classical symptoms of TB were significant determinants for health seeking behavior. Participants who contacted private health facility, not aware of signs and symptoms of TB were 4 times at higher risk, adopted self-medication were 3 times, more than two consultations were 12-13 times higher risk of experiencing waiting time (≥30days) for diagnosis.[p ≤ 0.05].
Conclusions:
Poor health-seeking behavior among study subjects were observed among study subjects. The common determinants were self-medication, illiteracy, middle and lower-class status and ignorance about classic signs and symptoms.
Keywords: Pulmonary TB, Health Seeking Behavior, Impact, Waiting Time, Health Facility Contacts.
