Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. D10171)
Kaluta R, Mwape, Mwape W, Mfula JC Community Based TB organisation -CBTO, Lusaka, Zambia
Introduction: A community based treatment unit is spearheading the implementation of DOTS with family and community involvement in the care of TB/AIDS patients by training treatment supporters living closer to the patients and family members. Treatment supporters can be anyone who is willing, trained, responsible, acceptable to the patient and accountable to the TB control services. Community based DOTS implementation is the surest way of ensuring the provision of adequate care and support to persons infected with tuberculosis. OBJECTIVE: To improve detection and cure rate through early diagnosis and effective treatment compliance using DOTS strategy with the help of TB treatment supporters. Strategy: treatment supporters supervise treatment at community level to ensure a standard and effective implementation. This is enhanced by the following activities: Health Education,mobilization and sensitisation of the community on the need to supervise treatment. Training of treatment supporters on data recording / reporting and use of forms.
METHOD: TB suspects are refered to the diagnostic center by the treatment supporter for smear examination, once diagnosed with TB, a treatment supporter living closer to a patient is assigned to supervise treatment, record and report. Since January 1998 to November 2003, the project had 4,436 new TB patients of which 2,143 were sputum positive.
RESULT: Cure rate from 40% before DOTS to 79.6% with DOTS. Completion rate from 55% before DOTS to 80% with DOTS. Defaulter rate from 20% before DOTS to 3% with DOTS Increased number of people attending clinics at early stage of disease
CONCLUSION: Family supporters can actively improve detection rate, provide support and encouragement to patient under treatment and trace those who fail to attend clinic. With appropriate training family members can take drugs to patients thereby making it easier for patients to complete treatment.
Keywords: AEGIS, Tuberculosis, Sputum, Consumer Participation, Patient Compliance, Health Services, Records, Health Services Needs and Demand, Infection, Humans, therapy, diagnosis, organization & administration
