Awareness of revised national tuberculosis control program among medical practitioners

To study the extent of awareness of ‘RNTCP’ among Medical practitioners, a cross-sectional study of practicing doctors in the 4 districts of Western Uttar Pradesh was conducted during the year 2011. They were interviewed on the basis of pre-designed questionnaire. Out of 120 doctors, 94 doctors were able to complete the questionnaire. Fifteen percent knew the correct expansion of DOTS. 65% doctors had impression that CXR is essential part of RNTCP, while 24% knew that sputum AFB is the only investigation. Only 27.7% had knowledge of existing treatment regimens in RNTCP. 76 percent of the respondents have not participated in any awareness programme. Although, our study revealed gaps and weaknesses in knowledge regarding RNTCP. Majority of participants were willing to upgrade their knowledge which will require more collaborative efforts between public health facilities and practicing doctors.