DOTS strategy and community participation: an experience in the Ecuadorian Andes.
METHODS
The Chine community in Angamarca parish, Cotopaxi Province, in the Ecuadorian Andes.


OBJECTIVE
To relate the DOTS strategy to the world view of the indigenous community in the diagnosis and treatment of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study involving all inhabitants of Chine.


RESULTS
Aspects of the community's world view were considered in the community-based application of DOTS. A cure rate of 100% was attained, with 0% defaulting from treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The results obtained indicate that involving the world view of the community in the management of tuberculosis has several advantages.
Romero-Sandoval
N
N
Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador. nromeros@puce.edu.ec
Flores-Carrera
O
O
Molina
M A
MA
Jácome
M
M
Navarro
A
A
Martin
M
M
D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000379:methods; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D023801:Directly Observed Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004484:Ecuador / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007199:Indians, South American; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology
D000995:Antitubercular Agents