title: High and equitable tuberculosis awareness coverage in the community-driven Axshya TB control project in India.
abstract: Data from surveys on knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) on tuberculosis (TB) conducted under the Axshya project at two time points (baseline 2010-2011 and mid-line 2012-2013) were analysed for changes in coverage and equity of TB awareness after project interventions. Overall coverage increased from 84% at baseline to 88% at midline (5% increase, P < 0.05). In comparison to baseline results, coverage at the midline survey had significantly increased, from 81% to 87% among the rural population, from 81% to 86% among women, from 73% to 85% in the ⩾55 years age group, from 71% to 80% among illiterates and from 73% to 81% in the south zone (P < 0.05). The equity gap among the different study groups (settlement, sex, age, education and zones) decreased from 6-23% at baseline to 3-11% during the midline survey. The maximum decline was observed for type of settlement (rural vs. urban), from 10% to 3% (P < 0.05). This community-driven TB control project has achieved high and equitable coverage of TB awareness, offering valuable lessons for the global community.
authors.affiliation: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease South-East Asia Office, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Thapa
authors.affiliation: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease South-East Asia Office, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Chadha
authors.affiliation: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease South-East Asia Office, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Das
authors.affiliation: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease South-East Asia Office, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mohanty
authors.affiliation: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease South-East Asia Office, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tonsing
keywords: ACSM; KAP surveys; assessment; general population