Integrated Management of Diabetes and Tuberculosis in Rural India – Results From a Pilot Study

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.766847
• Publication Date: 2022-05-10T09:13:21Z
• Authors: Rohina Joshi; Deepanjali Behera; Gian Luca Di Tanna; Mohammed Abdul Ameer; Kenneth Yakubu; Devarsetty Praveen
• Keywords: Short course

Introduction The World Health Organization and International Union against Tuberculosis (TB) recommends screening patients with TB for Diabetes Mellitus (DM) at the initiation of treatment. There are few pilot studies which screen DM, but none them have documented feasibility managing DM in Indian healthcare setting. Operational research is needed to determine best way manage individuals both conditions. This study aimed develop, field test an integrated, multidisciplinary program addressing management other associated chronic conditions primary Methods used a randomized controlled trial design mixed-methods evaluation was conducted Guntur district Andhra Pradesh, southern state India. All 120 newly diagnosed from 10 participating villages were screened cardiovascular risk factors. Non-physician health workers trained follow-up period 8 months encourage treatment adherence, monitor response including blood glucose levels provide lifestyle advice. Results intervention well-accepted by providers patients. However, there no statistically significant variations observed mean (mean [SD]: 5.3 [−23.3 33.8]) control group participants this study. Awareness about diabetes tuberculosis comorbidity increased among non-physician arm Discussion co-management TB-DM acceptable With appropriate training, availability infrastructure planned implementation, it feasible co-manage within existing care system