Health seeking behaviour of tuberculosis patients--role of the private practitioner.
India accounts for nearly 30% of the global tuberculosis burden. The goal of the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) is to cure at least 85% of new smear positive cases of TB and detect at least 75% of such patients. There are many reasons for patient delaying seeking healthcare. A Private Practitioner plays a major role in combating the disease but unfortunately the doctor-delay is more than patient-delay. Still patients seem to prefer Private Practitioners and they are often the first point of contact for a significant number of patients with TB.
Wilson
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WHO, Nilgiris 643240.
Perumal
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D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010819:Physician's Role; D011331:Private Practice; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000517:prevention & control*