“They Know, They Agree, but They Don’t Do”- The Paradox of Tuberculosis Case Notification by Private Practitioners in Alappuzha District, Kerala, India

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123286
• Publication Date: 2015-04-24T18:15:56Z
• Authors: Sairu Philip; Petros Isaakidis; Karuna D. Sagili; Asanarupillai Meh...; Sunilkumar Mrithy...; Ajay M. V. Kumar
• Keywords: Partner notification; Thematic Analysis

Despite being a recognized standard of tuberculosis (TB) care internationally, mandatory TB case notification brings forth challenges from the private sector. Only three cases were notified in 2013 by practitioners compared to 2000 yearly public sector Alappuzha district. The study objective was explore knowledge, opinion and barriers regarding Notification among offering services Alappuzha, Kerala state, India.This mixed-methods with quantitative (survey) qualitative components conducted between December July 2014. survey, using structured questionnaire, 169 revealed that 88% aware notification. All patient-related details requested form (except government-issued identification number) perceived be important easy provide more than 80% practitioners. While 95% felt should mandatory, punitive action failure notify considered unnecessary almost two third. General (98%) likely specialists (84 %). (P<0.01). Qualitative purposive personal interviews (n=34) carried out health providers. On thematic framework analysis responses, grouped into themes: 'private provider misconceptions about notification', 'patient confidentiality, stigma discrimination 'and 'lack cohesion coordination sector'. Private did not consider it necessary treated daily regimen.Communication strategies like training, timely dissemination information policy changes one-to-one dialogue dispel may enhance Trust building providing feedback referred sector, personnel visit or liaison doctor ensure compliance activities.