Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the world’s largest public health challenges, and it has a
disproportionate impact on India. In children, TB is a serious but understudied illness due
to the complexity of case-notification and relative lack of public health importance. This
study took place over the course of one month in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. In a
mixed method study consisting of 53 quantitative patient interviews and qualitative
interviews with healthcare providers, social determinants of TB in this setting were
investigated as well as challenges faced at all stages of healthcare delivery. Malnutrition
and housing were the most severe determinants of paediatric TB, though socioeconomic
status, age, and household contacts also played a role. Diagnosis continues to be a challenge
for healthcare providers. Overall, DOTS and the RNTCP is an effective public health
program to address paediatric TB, but to reduce incidence interventions on determinants
need to be prioritized.