Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major causes of ill health, one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide and the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. India alone contributes to 27% to the total TB cases globally and thus is in high burden of Tuberculosis. Gender inequalities in health seeking behavior has severe public health impacts in terms of delay in diagnosis as well as delay in treatment of PTB. This study was undertaken to understand the perspective of females to identify and determine the difficulties faced by them in adhering to TB treatment in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
Methodology: Qualitative study design was used to understand the perspectives of participants. We carried out 20 interviews with women aged 18-60 years who were lost to follow up (LTFU) for treatment of TB. Analysis was based on content and thematic analysis method. Codes were developed using themes and patterns in the research.
Result: Despite of wide implementation of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) there are still some barriers which need to be addressed. Out of pocket expenditure, misconceptions related to TB, transportation costs, delayed diagnosis, stigma and socio-cultural barriers, and family responsibilities remain the main barriers among the women of 18-60 years for the TB treatment. 
Conclusions: The study highlights the need of raised awareness, sensitization, education of women, approachable health facilities, free transport facilities, reduced burden of out-of-pocket expenditure, and increased community participation.