A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE REGARDING DIRECTLY OBSERVED TREATMENT, SHORT- COURSE (DOTS) AMONG NURSING STUDENTS IN SELECTED NURSING COLLEGES AT VARANASI

DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, short-course), is the name given to the tuberculosis control strategy recommended by the World Health Organization. According to W.H.O, The most cost-effective way to stop the spread of TB in communities with a high incidence is by curing it. Tuberculosis is a specific infectious disease caused by M. Tuberculosis and Affects every parts of the body it was observed that tuberculosis killed nearly everyone it infected tubercle bacillus spreads through droplet infection when people who have active tuberculosis infection cough or sneezes. Incorporating DOTS Therapy leads to early diagnosis and decrease mortality rate. Student participation in DOTS depends on their knowledge. A descriptive study was conducted where in students of age group 18-30 years were selected for the study using random sampling method A total 100 students were included in the study. Data were collected using a knowledge questionnaires. The majority 69% of the respondents were having good, 10% excellent and 21% average knowledge regarding DOTS therapy. A significant association was found between demographic variables and knowledge.