Background : Tuberculosis (TB) is a global issue and a major public health problem in India. India ranks first in holding a huge
number of TB cases which goes un-notified. Nearly half of the TB patients are being treated in private sector. If TB patients
diagnosed and treated under any sector is reported to public health authorities, an appropriate, adequate, complete and
supervised drug treatment to combat resistance may be ensured. Govt. of India declared tuberculosis a notifiable disease
on 7th May 2012. In spite of these steps, TB notification by private health care providers is still a big challenge.
Objective : To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of TB notification among the private practitioners.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among estimated sample of 91 private practitioners with a minimum
qualification of MBBS in Kancheepuram township of Tamil Nadu. Data was collected using a semi – structured, self –
administered questionnaire.
Results: About 96.7 percent of practitioners know that TB notification is mandatory and 82.4 percent know to whom
they should notify. Almost all felt that it is important to notify tuberculosis. Only 27.5 percentage were aware about
NIKSHAY. Regarding the notification, 51.6 percent of participants had good knowledge. The perceived difficulties of
private practitioners in providing patient information on notification are patient’s aadhar number and date of diagnosis.
The preferred mode of communication to notify TB are through toll free number, phone call and field workers. Only 9
(12 percent) among 75 practitioners notified tuberculosis cases through field workers and phone call to public health
authority. The notification practices were better in the participants with good knowledge compared to those with poor
knowledge (p-0.004).
Conclusion: The study reveals that the participants were well aware of mandatory notification of tuberculosis. But there is
high prevalence of poor knowledge on the process of notification and practice regarding TB notification among the private
practitioners. Training programs and supportive supervision are crucial to raise their awareness and practice. Eliminating
the barriers in the notification process will also help in improving the practice