DOTS strategy and community participation: an experience in the Ecuadorian Andes.

Abstract

The Chine community in Angamarca parish, Cotopaxi Province, in the Ecuadorian Andes. To relate the DOTS strategy to the world view of the indigenous community in the diagnosis and treatment of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients. Cross-sectional study involving all inhabitants of Chine. Aspects of the community's world view were considered in the community-based application of DOTS. A cure rate of 100% was attained, with 0% defaulting from treatment. The results obtained indicate that involving the world view of the community in the management of tuberculosis has several advantages.