Dated: 5th September 2024
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a significant public health challenge in India, which accounts for nearly 27% of the global TB burden. According to the report, Kolkata’s slum areas, marked by overcrowding, poor living conditions, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare, act as hotspots for the disease transmission. A comprehensive study has been conducted by SIGMA Foundation on the status of TB in Kolkata. 210 TB patients across eight chest clinics under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation were surveyed through a structured questionnaire. The findings of the study highlight key socio-economic, behavioural, and healthcare-related factors contributing to the spread of TB in Kolkata, which is likely to be true for other similar urban areas.
The report found that more women (60%) under 30 years were affected by TB compared to men (26%). However, the burden shifted to men (56%) after the age of 40 years. The economic toll of TB was evident, with 83% of respondents facing out-of-pocket expenses for treatment. Many experienced impoverishments, job loss, and food insecurity due to the indirect costs of the disease. A significant portion of the patients were unaware of how they contracted TB, with more women reporting exposure to infected family members. A good point is that, despite the financial challenges, over 90% of patients adhered to treatment protocols. The report identified smoking, alcohol use, malnutrition, and co-morbidities like diabetes as common risks for developing TB. Social stigma remains a major challenge, especially for men, with 23% of respondents avoiding disclosing their TB status due to fear of discrimination.
The report calls for a multi-pronged approach to curb the spread of TB in Kolkata. This includes addressing underlying socio-economic conditions, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, promoting awareness, and reducing the stigma associated with TB. With the right interventions, the burden of tuberculosis can be significantly reduced, improving health outcomes for affected populations. The study was funded by SIGMA Foundation and was carried out with the approval and support of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. The full report has been shared with them for possible interventions.