Assessment of knowledge and interest of community pharmacists for TB suspect referral programme and DOTS provisions in Bengaluru Kumar Siva R.1, Sunil K R1, Dr. Pathak Riju2*, Dr. George Samuel Gideon P3 1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy, Bangalore-560035, Karnataka, India. 2Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy, Bangalore-560035, Karnataka, India. 3Biostatistician, Department of pharmacy practice, Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy, Bangalore-560035, Karnataka, India. *Corresponding Author E-mail: sivarsk4596@gmail.com
Online published on 30 April, 2021. Abstract Objective: To assess the knowledge and interest of the community pharmacists about their role in TB suspect referral programme and DOTS provisions in Bengaluru. Methodology: A descriptive observational study was carried out in 180 pharmacies in different areas of Bengaluru out of which 150 pharmacists had participated in the study. The retail pharmacy details were collected and they were made to fill KAP questionnaire. Each question under the knowledge and attitude was scored to assess their KAP level regarding Tuberculosis and their willingness to participate in the TB suspect referral programme. The interested pharmacist details were forwarded to RNTCP wing. The unwilling pharmacist were further educated regarding the Programme. Results: A total of 150 pharmacists participated in the study from different areas of Bengaluru. Assessment of extent of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Tuberculosis and TB suspect referral programme showed that a majority of them had a poor Knowledge score. A very few pharmacists had accepted for storing RNTCP drugs. The remaining pharmacists had given the few reasons like lack of time, lack of storage space, lack of qualified pharmacist. Conclusion: The Pharmacist Knowledge, Attitude, Practice about Tuberculosis and TB suspect referral programme are the important determinants to assess the pharmacist. A combined effect from members of District Tuberculosis Centre can make the attainment of the coverage of the areas in Bangalore. Top Keywords Tuberculosis, TB suspect referral programme, RNTCP, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice. Top |