IJPR.2026.132
Type of Article: Original Research
Volume 14; Issue 3 (August 2026)
Page No.: 4983-4990
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.16965/ijpr.2026.132
Awareness of Pulmonary Rehabilitation among Patients Attending Tuberculosis Clinic in Tertiary Care Centre in Mumbai: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Prerna Ghodke *1, Vedang Vaidya 2.
*1 Assistant Professor, D. Y. Patil School of Physiotherapy, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra India.
2 Assistant Professor, D. Y. Patil School of Physiotherapy, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Prerna Ghodke, D. Y. Patil School of Physiotherapy, D. Y. Patil University School of Medicine, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, India. E-Mail: penughodke95@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to impose a massive public health burden on India, accounting for roughly a quarter of the global disease burden. Beyond the acute illness, many post-tubercular patients face persistent lung damage and functional limitations that severely diminish their overall quality of life. While pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has proven to relieve dyspnoea and enhance physical capacity, its integration into standard TB care within primary healthcare settings remains sparse.
Purpose of the study: To evaluate the baseline awareness of Pulmonary Tuberculosis, its anti-tubercular medical management, and the role of Pulmonary Rehabilitation among individuals visiting a specialized TB clinic at a tertiary care facility in Mumbai.
Methods: A cross-sectional assessment survey was conducted among 50 individuals aged 18 to 60 years with a confirmed history of pulmonary TB. Data was processed using descriptive statistics to explore statistical correlations with demographic variables.
Results: Overall, a low level of awareness (36%) was documented regarding the concept of pulmonary rehabilitation itself. While 76% theoretically believed PR would be beneficial, 82% identified a basic lack of awareness as the primary hurdle preventing people from participating. Employed individuals were statistically more likely to be familiar with the actual exercises involved in rehabilitation compared to students or unemployed individuals (p = 0.041)
Conclusion: While grassroots awareness concerning tuberculosis and its basic medical cure is well-established among patients, a significant communication gap persists regarding post-recovery care. Pulmonary rehabilitation remains widely unrecognized and underutilized among the masses. To minimize long-term morbidity and shield patients from post-treatment functional limitations, health systems must prioritize integrating PR education directly into standard TB treatment protocols and bridge infrastructural gaps to ensure accessible, low-cost options.
Keywords: Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Tuberculosis, Physiotherapy.
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