Surveillance data analysis of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program of Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.

BACKGROUND

The annual risk of tuberculosis infection is 1.9% in Himachal Pradesh against a national average of 1%. Revised national tuberculosis control program (RNTCP) in Kangra was introduced in October, 1998. We analyzed the 5-year (2001-2005) RNTCP secondary data from Kangra to evaluate the performance of the program.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We collected data from all the five tuberculosis units the district. We calculated the following indicators-case detection rate, tuberculosis cases by category-new smear positive (or smear negative but seriously ill) defaulters, relapses and failures, extra-pulmonary, and new smear negative cases. We compared the results with Himachal Pradesh and India. We employed the standardized program indicators-sputum positivity, cure, death, failure and default rates.

RESULTS

Extra pulmonary cases ranged in between 56% and 73%, normal being 15-20%. The highest category-1 varies from 42% to 48%. New smear positive case detection rates (78-90%) and cure rates (88-91%) were the highest as compared to figures of the state and country. Failure rate was maximum in Kangra Tuberculosis Units (TU)-6.5% and the default rate was 7.2% in TU Palampur. The tuberculosis cases have fallen down from 6,462/100, 000 in 1999 to 2,195/100, 000 in 2005 following the introduction of RNTCP in 1999. Age specific (15-55 years) and sex-wise males were more affected than the females (59-64%).

CONCLUSIONS

Continue investment in the program to sustain progress achieved. Investigate the cause of high proportion of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. Investigate Kangra TU unit with a high default rate.