TUBERCULOSIS DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Abstract

Pakistan is eighth among countries with high burden of tuberculosis (TB). InPakistan free-of-charge TB diagnosis and treatment services are available. The objectiveof qualitative exploratory study was to understand how TB patients and their families copewith the lost earnings and increased expenditures (other than diagnosis and treatmentcost) related with disease and its treatment. The research methods included literaturereview, focus group discussion using vignettes and in-depth interviews with TB patients.The study was done in the rural areas of Lahore District with the support of district andlocal health facility staff. The study revealed that, Results like in many other developingcountries, TB patients rely mainly on financial and physical support of family membersand friends. Conclusion The study also highlighted the need for developing institutionalmechanisms to help patients cope with economic consequences of tuberculosis.