TB-DOTS PROGRAM;

APPRAISAL OF ROLE OF LADY HEALTH WORKERS AS TREATMENT SUPPORTERS

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the performance of Lady Health Workers (LHWs) in collection, storage & distribution of drugs and
evaluate their effectiveness regarding TB suspect identification, referral, directly observing the intake of medicine, default identification and
health education in TB-DOTS program. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: In district Toba Tek Singh. Period: From January to Sep
2006. Materials & Methods: One hundred and Two LHWs were selected randomly and interviewed using a structured pre-tested questionnaire.
Results: Among 102 LHWs, 76.5% were trained in TB-DOTS. Sixty four (62.7%) had qualification matric and above. Collection of the drugs
was being performed properly by 87.3%, while 83.4% were storing the anti-TB drugs at proper places. Anti-TB drugs were being distributed
to patients daily by 95.1%. Under the direct supervision of LHWs 69.6% of TB patients had completed treatment. In the areas of 58.8% LHWs,
TB patients were declared cured after 8 months treatment. Defaulted TB cases were present, in the areas of 19.6% LHWs, while 12.8% of the
LHWs had relapsed TB cases in their areas. Most of the LHWs (85.3%) had proper record of medicine and of the patients (84.3%). Conclusion:
The experienced and TB-DOTS trained LHWs of urban areas, in the age group of 41-50 years had overall good performance. The LHWs having
qualification matric and above had better performance than the LHWs having middle qualification. TB-DOTS program in district Toba Tek Singh
was working successfully and it should be continued with some improvements and innovations.