Effect of Educational Intervention on Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Tuberculosis among Uncertified Rural Practitioners in Singur, West Bengal.

Introduction: Though two-third of rural healthcare is served by URPs, most of them lack in proper training on treatment of Tuberculosis. Objective: To evaluate effect of educational intervention on perception of Tuberculosis management among URPs. Methodology: Knowledge and Attitude of participants were assessed using a predesigned questionnaire before and after an educational intervention. Results: Pre-intervention assessment revealed that majority (92.9%) had heard about PTB. Only 39.3% knew at-least 3 sites of EPTB. Nearly one-third knew about daily regime but 10.7% could name all five first-line ATDs. Few responded that Levofloxacin (25%), Moxifloxacin (10.7%), Amikacin (7.1%) should be avoided in chest symptomatics. Knowledge of punishment for intentional nonnotification (10.7%) was poor. Only 42.9% opined for ATD use in pregnant and children. After intervention, knowledge had improved significantly (P<0.001). Attitude improved with no statistical significance. Conclusion: Educational intervention can improve knowledge of Tuberculosis among URPs and regular reinforcement is recommended for such programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]