A Cross Sectional Study to Assess the Profile and Knowledge Levels and Stigma among Tuberculosis Patients in a Medical College in North India

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem. It is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide.According to World Health Organization (WHO) TB report 2019, globally, an estimated 10 million people fell ill with TB in 2018. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the patients of tuberculosis diagnosed at I.G.M.C. Shimla to assess the profile of T.B patients and assess the knowledge levels and stigma among the patients. Results: Among all the participants enrolled for study (52.38%) were males. Only 19 % were educated up to university level. Among all the participants, 47.6% were unemployed.Among all the patients included in the study, extra pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed in 54.3% patients visited I.G.M.C Shimla.27.6% of participants were exposed to TB patients at home or workplace. Conclusion: There is high proportion of extra pulmonary tuberculosis among study participants. Diabetes mellitus, HIV and COPD were detected as co-morbidities in participants.Social stigma was present in study participants for seeking treatment.