Causes and consequences of Tuberculosis: a sociological study based on medical officer of health office, Kattankudy, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Tuberculosis is found to be a public health problem in Sri Lanka and has a serious impact over the people. The causes of tuberculosis and their effects vary from community to community. The Annual Report of MOH office, Kattankudy indicates the increase number of cases on tuberculosis cases from 2011 to 2019. Although, the government is carrying out various projects in collaboration with the various health related authorities, the blowout of the disease cannot be eradicated from its grassroots level. In this regard, this study was conducted to identify the causes and effects of tuberculosis in Kattankudy Divisional Secretariat division of Batticaloa district. Purposive sample method is used for the study and the sample size is 30. Interviews (12) and focused group discussion (04) were carried out to collect the primary data of the study. The Annual Report of MOH office, Kattankudy from 2011-2019, books and research papers were used as a secondary resource. Population density, intake of the hotel-prepared foods, influence of drug addicts, concealment diseases, improper disposal and lack of drainage system were identified as the causes behind the tuberculosis disease in the study area. Social exclusion, low educational attainment, economic crisis, disruption of normal life and changes in social and family structure were identified as the negative effects of the tuberculosis. The study also pointed out some preventive measures to address this issue.