Authors
1 Research Center for modeling in health, Kerman University of medical sciences, Iran.
2 Faculty of Public Health, Kerman Medical University, Kerman, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: The TB control program in the world has encountered serious problems because
of weakness in case detection, inadequate and improper treatment, drug resistance and the
emerging and concurrent epidemic of HIV. Therefore, this qualitative study was conducted in
order to gain a deep and better understanding of the problems and to suggest initiatives to
improve the situation.
Method: A qualitative content analysis study was carried out by semi-structured interviews with
key informants of the tuberculosis control program in Iran. Participants were selected by
purposeful sampling. The trustworthiness of the study was confirmed by the four criteria of
credibility, dependability, confirmability and transferability. Data analysis was performed using
framework analysis and the main themes and subthemes were identified.
Results: Twenty four subthemes and six themes were identified as followings: 1) strategies and
policies, 2) characteristics of human resources, 3) quality and quantity of resources, 4) the basis
of the methods, 5) coordination and communication and 6) general public participation and
social support.
Conclusion: Different factors have led to the weakness of the program. In order to improve the
current situation and alleviate the problem, it is necessary to improve the processes of diagnosis
and treatment, TB reporting system, physician compliance to the National protocol of
tuberculosis control, public education, recruitment of TB coordinator physicians, the practice of
TB diagnosis laboratory staff and other diagnostic and treatment facilities.
Keywords
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