A Study on Financial Outlay of Tuberculosis Patient’s Registered at District Tuberculosis Centre of District Bareilly

Abstract

Introduction: Despite being a fully treatable infectious disease,
tuberculosis remains among the major causes of death. Early
diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are essential for stopping the
spread of TB. Treatment is now more challenging and expensive
due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains. This study
aims to explore the household out-of-pocket expenses of TB
patients, as well as their socioeconomic status and knowledge
of direct benefit transfer.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 18 months
was carried out at the District Tuberculosis Centre (DTC) in
Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. The study population included patients
with pulmonary TB of all ages who underwent CBNAAT testing.
A questionnaire was used to gather data via an interview
schedule from the study participants. Statistical analysis was
done using SPSS version 25 and Chi-square test was applied.
Results: 57.9% of DR and 70.5% of DS TB patients had
out-of-pocket expenses of more than Rs. 5,000, while total
expenditures of Rs. 500 or less were observed in 7.6 and 6.7%
of the DR and DS TB patients, respectively. Our study found
that most (46.1%) of DR TB patients responded that a cash
benefit was given for their treatment.
Conclusion: Out-of-pocket expenditure is a barrier in the
successful treatment of patients. The high cost of treating
drug-resistant tuberculosis can lead to non-adherence and
further spread of the disease. The awareness about direct
benefit transfer is crucial.