Acceptability of video observed treatment vs. directly observed treatment for tuberculosis: a comparative analysis between South and Central India

Background Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) is a requirement in the management of Tuberculosis (TB) globally. With transition from alternate day treatment to daily India, monitoring adherence through DOT logistic challenge. The pervasiveness mobile phones India provides unique opportunity address this challenge remotely. This study was designed compare acceptability for antitubercular (ATT) support two distinct regions India. Methodology cross-sectional exploratory that enrolled 351 patients with TB, whom 185 were Bangalore, South and 166 Ujjain, Central India. Trained research assistants administered pretested questionnaire comprising demographics, phone usage patterns, technology TB medicines. Results mean age participants 32±13.6 years 140 (40%) women. Of participants, 259 (74%) urban, 221 (63%) had >4 education. A significantly greater number newly diagnosed intensive phase treatment. Overall, 218 (62%) preferred vDOT over DOT. There an overall difference preference between sites which explained by differences socio-economic variables. Conclusion Mobile acceptable on Antitubercular ATT minor variations design based demographic cultural differences. In voice calls text messages/SMS while designing mHealth interventions cannot be ignored. importance central unlike However, time, expanding use supplemented counseling, could overcome barriers privacy stigma promote in-person or India.