Factors associated with delay in treatment seeking among new Sputum Smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients registered under DOTS Centre, Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, India: A Cross Sectional study

Abstract

Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health problem worldwide affecting about one third of the global population. India alone account for an estimated one quarter of all TB cases worldwide. In India, the overall prevalence of infection is 30%. In high prevalence countries, delays are noticed in health seeking, diagnosis and treatment. Information about the factors associated with various delays often assist the programme managers to improve case finding and thus reduce the disease transmission.

Keywords

• Tuberculosis, Treatment seeking, Delay.