Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #118412

Charles Y. Yu, MD, MSc, Philippine Tuberculosis Initiatives for the Private Sector (Philippine TIPS)/Chemonics International Inc., 1608 West Tower, Phil. Stock Exchange Center, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, 1605, Philippines and Juan Perez, MPH MD, Philippine Tuberculosis Initiatives for the Private Sector, Chemonics International Inc., Unit 1608 West Tower, PSEC Building, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, 1605, Philippines, 6326877135, jiangeles@philtips.com.

BACKGROUND: A third of TB symptomatics in the Philippines consult private doctors. Because of policy and financing constraints, Philippine private health sector has been reluctant to adopt DOTS. The USAID-funded Philippine Tuberculosis Initiatives for the Private Sector (PhilTIPS) surveyed private doctors to determine knowledge, awareness, and their attitudes toward DOTS. Multiple interventions from private and public sectors on DOTS have transpired since 2002.

DESIGN/METHODS: Interviews were conducted using structured questionnaire on respondents selected through stratified random sampling in 22 sites. Site selection was based on TB incidence and presence of private sector DOTS champions. Survey tool development/training of interviewers were conducted. A situation analysis (SA) was conducted on a sub-sample focusing on TB management through observation of patient-doctor interaction, facilities, supplies, record-keeping, and exit interview of TB patients.

RESULTS/OUTCOME: 8,000 physicians were identified in the roster of TB-treating physicians in 2004. 1,535 private physicians were surveyed. SA in six sites complemented the survey. 85% of respondents were general practitioners, family physicians, internists, pulmonologists and infectious disease specialists. 71% treat TB patients regularly, an average of 16 TB patients a month. 45% - 72% of physicians/specialists seeing TB now use sputum smears in their practice, while 68% (general practitioners) and 99% (pulmonologists) are aware of DOTS in TB. 32% internists and 59% pulmonologists have adopted DOTS in their practice, with varying degrees of success.

CONCLUSIONS: Significant number of private health sector are aware of DOTS and implement their knowledge through their practice. Efforts should now begin to enable private practice of DOTS through policy and financing reforms.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of this session, the participant will know the proportion of private physicians in the Philippines engaged in DOTS service and learn about their TB-DOTS knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP).

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation