Abstract :
Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide. India has
highest burden of TB patients, accounting for about a quarter of the world’s TB cases. The disease is
rapidly developing and is resistant to multi drugs. TB control is more likely to be achieved if the level of
knowledge regarding the disease, its diagnosis, management and development of resistance is increased
among medical students.
Aims & Objectives: 1. To assess the knowledge of Tuberculosis and Drug resistance among medical
students. 2. To assess their awareness about DOTS and RNTCP guidelines.
Material and Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire based survey was performed among 150 medical
students in a tertiary care hospital, Bangalore. The Knowledge of participants about tuberculosis, its
transmission, diagnosis and their knowledge about drug resistance, DOTS and RNTCP guidelines were
assessed using a questionnaire. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, proportions and mean.
Results: Out of 150 medical students assessed, more than 80-90% had knowledge about causative agent,
disease symptoms, transmission and diagnosis. About 80% were aware of DOTS, availability of free drugs.
But poor knowledge was observed about various categories, drug resistance and drugs used for different
categories under DOTS treatment regimen and RNTCP guidelines.
Conclusion: Knowledge about drug resistance, DOTS regimen and RNTCP guidelines was poor in medical
students. Regular training sessions, CMES, Conferences on tuberculosis is to be conducted for medical
students in order to strengthen their knowledge.
Keyword :
Tuberculosis, Medical students, DOTS, RNTCP.