The Importance of Physical Complaints Intensity with Tuberculosis and its Relationship with Demographic Characteristics in Tuberculosis Control Center in Zahedan and Zabol, 1993.

Abstract

Abstract: A correlational survey was conducted in tuberculosis control centers of Zahedan and Zabol, to evaluate the intensity of physical complaints per se in clients with tuberculosis and estimate statistical relationship between these variables and demographic characteristics of the subjects. A total of 150 tuberculosis positive patients referred for treatment to tuberculosis control centers in Zahedan and Zabol were selected randomly. The tool was a three –part questionnaire with close ended answers. First part inquired certain demographic characteristics of the subjects, the second part asked of the intensity of physical complaints imposed by the disease itself and the last part inquired the intensity of problems related to diagnostic test and treatment measures. The researcher interview all the subject personally in order to gather information free of discrepancies as much as possible. The findings are presented in 56 tables, both descriptive and in feral statistics mainly t test, K2, Pearson chopper off significance tests were employed to interpret the data. 71.3% of the subjects were females and 28.7% males. The age ranged from 15 to 60+ years (mean=47 standard deviation=16). 33.9% stated the length of their illness had been more than 2 years. 20% stated they had at least one family member with tuberculosis. The main physical complaints per se were feeling weak and tired (70%) chest pain (52%) and resistant cough (49.4%). A significant correlation was estimated between these complaints and length of chemotherapy. The findings also showed a significant correlation between variables such as sex, regularity in following the therapeutic regimen, length of chemotherapy, the time the client sought medical care after the appearance of signs and symptoms and a family member being also ill with tuberculosis. In conclusion suggestions for nursing implementations and further research were made.