Gaps and Challenges in Implementing NTEP at Field Level in Tribal Areas Through GIS Technology

Objective: Tribal population, because of their limited access to quality TB services and increased risk of TB due to biological and behavioural factors, are categorized as "key population groups" for TB . There are many established gaps in NTEP delivery in tribal areas. Using GIS mapping will help understand and address most of these challenges. Hence, the present study aims to find out the gaps in NTEP implementation among tribal populations using GIS technology. Methodology: This is a Community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Paderu area, Alluri Sita Rama Raju (ASR) District, a tribal area near Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh state. Under Paderu TU, there are three PHCs: G madugula, Minimuluru, and Gemmili. All the patients registered for Tuberculosis during the second (April-June) and third (July-September) quarters of 2022 in the study area were included in the present study. Results: Out of 61 cases, the follow-up visits were hindering among 70% of patients. Nearly half of the cases were located beyond 5kms radius from the health facility, hindering the access and utilisation of health services. 91.5% of the patients did not receive voice messages or calls regarding health education for compliance with drugs. All patients did not receive DBT for 1year. 20% of the patients expressed concerns related to cultural factors like forbidding them from some food items and associated stigma by restricting them from attending school. Conclusion: The identified gaps were interconnected and require comprehensive solutions. Factors such as stigma and cultural beliefs, will require more time to overcome.