RNTCP IN GUJARAT: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN TRIBAL AND NON-TRIBAL AREAS

摘要

Background: Tribal population resides in difficult to reach terrain. It is vital to know, in context of "Universal care approach", whether they are equitably benefited by RNTCP. Objective: To compare RNTCP performance in tribal areas with non-tribal areas and to detect whether the difference in performance indicators is statistically significant. Methods: A comparative analysis of RNTCP performance indicators like total case detection rate, new smear positive case detection rate, etc., was carried out using annual data of last three years in tribal and non-tribal areas. T-test was applied to confirm statistically significant difference. Results: The performance of tribal area is.better in terms of suspects examined per lakh population per year, total case detection rate, NSP case detection rate and success rate. The difference was close to statistically significant difference at 95% confidence limit and the difference was significant at 90% confidence limit. The extra-pulmonary case notification rate was significantly higher in non-tribal areas with understandable reasons. Conclusion: Significantly high previously treated smear positive case notification rate in tribal area is a matter of concern .The incentives to tribal areas appear to reap better results and these need to be supported and sustained.