1.

Tuberculosis (TB) Overview

Pathogenesis:
TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but
can also affect other organs (extra pulmonary TB).
Pulmonary TB: Affects the lungs
Extrapulmonary TB: Affects areas other than the lungs, such as the brain, lymph nodes, or bones
Miliary TB: A rare but serious condition that occurs when TB bacteria enter the bloodstream
and spread to multiple parts of the body
TB meningitis: Affects the tissue around the brain or spinal cord
TB peritonitis: Causes inflammation of the peritoneum, the tissue that covers the inside of the
abdomen and most of its organs
TB pericarditis: Occurs when TB spreads to the pericardium, the two layers of tissue that
surround the heart
Cutaneous TB: A rare type that affects the skin
Transmission:
TB is spread through airborne particles when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Risk Factors: Close contact with TB patients, weakened immune system (e.g., HIV infection),
malnutrition, smoking, diabetes, alcohol.
TB bacteria spread through the air when a person with active TB of the lungs or throat coughs,
speaks, or sings.
Types:
Latent TB Infection (LTBI): The bacteria remain in the body in an inactive state and cause no
symptoms. LTBI is not contagious but can become active TB.
Active TB Disease: The bacteria are active and multiply, causing symptoms and can be
transmitted to others.
MDR-TB: Resistant to 1st line; Isoniazid and rifampicin. Requires 2nd line; Amikacin, capreomycin
and kanamycin
XDR-TB: Resistant to 1st and 2nd line plus floroquinolone.
Symptoms:
Cough, fever, weight loss, night sweat
One of the gravest health challenges that the world, including India, faces today in terms
of communicable disease burden is Tuberculosis. This disease has been attributed with high
costs to the Indian economy. According to an estimate by the WHO, India had the highest
number of reported TB cases in the world. With advancements made in the field of medical
and biotechnology, the country’s health care plans for treating tuberculosis have improved
significantly. Yet, issues such as the recent exposure of TDR-TB (Totally Drug Resistant
Tuberculosis) come with its own array of setbacks. TDR-TB cases allude to those patients
who are resistant to all first-line and second-line drugs that are typically used to treat TB.
This creates friction towards achieving the target of complete elimination of TB by 2030
under the global sustainable developmental goals.

Socio-economic dimensions
Tuberculosis is caused by a specific bacterium called mycobacterium tuberculosis which
primarily infects the air sacs and eventually the lungs, resulting in a compromised immune
system. One of the major causes of TB occurring at elevated rates in the country can
be attributed to air-pollution. In addition, India still being a developing country has a relatively
lower standard of living compared to its other counterparts. Overcrowded homes, poorly built
houses and inadequate infrastructure with poor ventilation is not uncommon. For instance, a
high proportion of one-room dwellings in India directly correlates to higher TB rates. Further,
poverty and lack of financial resources are linked to malnutrition, substance use and high
incidences of HIV/ AIDS. Consequently, this results in immunosuppression among the
population which increases the susceptibility of developing comorbidities.

National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP)

The NTEP is a public health program under communicable disease initiated by the
government with the aim of effectively organizing and managing its anti-tuberculosis efforts.
It is classified as one of the leading public health initiatives under the National Health
Mission (NHM) with a vision of achieving a “TB-free India” as soon as 2025. One of the
reasons why TB incidence rates are still so high in India is due to the unaffordability of the
treatment drugs prescribed. Despite governmental efforts made to increase access and
availability of TB care across the country, the majority of the population receive sub-optimal
levels of treatment, specifically, those patients diagnosed with drug-resistant TB. In general,
these issues are attributable to high numbers of infectious diseases among the rural
population and a national budget with a relatively low investment in healthcare,
including urban and rural healthcare programs.

2. TB statistics:
Global Statistics: TB is second infectious killer after covid19. In 2022, there were an estimated
10 million new TB cases and 1.3 million TB-related deaths. (WHO, 2023)
Current Situation in India:
India has the highest burden of TB globally, accounting for about 25% of global TB burden, with
an estimated TB incidence of 2.77 million in 2022 (reduced compared to 2015 2.97) (Mandal et
al, 2023)
However, India TB report 2023 shows 2022 records 13% increase than 2021.
High prevalence of drug-resistant TB strains, including MDR-TB (resistant to atleast 2 of 1st line
i.e isoniazid and rifampicin) and XDR-TB.
Current situation in Delhi:
In 2022, Delhi had the highest TB case notification rate in India with over 250 cases per 100,000
people. Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh followed with relatively lower notification rates with
230 and 218 cases respectively.
Current year statistics
Between January and March of the current year, health officials diagnosed 595 new cases of TB
from a sample pool of 3,761 individuals. Of these cases, 38 were confirmed to have MDR-TB, and
57 individuals were found to be battling both TB and HIV-AIDS.
Government Initiatives:
National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP): Formerly known as the Revised
National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP), the NTEP aims to eliminate TB by 2025. It
focuses on early detection, treatment, and prevention of TB through various strategies,
including Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS).
Strategies: Case detection, treatment adherence, addressing drug resistance, and improving
diagnostics.
Targets: Reduce TB incidence by 80%, TB deaths by 90%, and eliminate catastrophic costs due
to TB by 2025.
Nikshay Poshan Yojana: This scheme provides nutritional support to TB patients. Under this
program, every notified TB patient receives a monthly financial assistance of INR 500 during
their treatment to ensure proper nutrition.
PM TB mukt abhiyaan: Community Support to TB patients for effective engagement of the
community. Involvement of society, community support and additional support.
TB elimination strategy: Active case finding, TB comorbidities, multi sectoral response, drug
resistant TB, digital tools, TB preventive therapy, community engagement, better drugs and
diagnostic, private sector engagement.
What are Different Initiatives to Combat TB?
Global Efforts:
The WHO (World Health Organisation) has launched a joint initiative “Find. Treat. All. #EndTB”
with the Global Fund and Stop TB Partnership.
WHO also releases the Global Tuberculosis Report.
The Global Plan to End TB, 2023-2030: It is a plan for ending TB as a public health challenge by
2030. It provides a blueprint of priority actions required and a detailed estimate of the financial
resources needed to end TB.
It is a goal that has been adopted by all Member States of the United Nations (UN) and the WHO.
The End TB Strategy builds on and significantly expands the scope of efforts in the context of the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3.3.
India’s Efforts:
Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis Elimination (2017-2025)
TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign
Nikshay Poshan Yojna
RePORT India: RePORT India (Regional Prospective Observational Research for Tuberculosis
(TB)) is a bilateral, multi-organizational, collaborative effort established in 2013 under the
Indo-US Vaccine Action Program (VAP).
It aims to address the threat of TB to the people of India and across the globe.
Diagnostics and Treatment:
Clinical Evaluation: Symptoms Assessment: Cough lasting more than two weeks, weight loss,
fever, night sweats, and fatigue.
Laboratory Tests:
Sputum Smear Microscopy: Examining sputum samples under a microscope to detect TB
bacteria.
Sputum Culture: Growing TB bacteria from sputum samples to confirm the diagnosis and
determine drug susceptibility.
Molecular Tests (NAATs): Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (like GeneXpert MTB/RIF(CBNAAT))
detect TB bacteria and assess resistance to rifampicin, a key TB drug.
Tuberculin Skin Test (TST): Also known as the Mantoux test, it involves injecting a small
amount of tuberculin into the skin and measuring the reaction.
Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs): Blood tests (like QuantiFERON-TB Gold) that
measure the immune response to TB antigens.
Imaging Studies:
Chest X-ray: Identifies abnormalities in the lungs that may suggest TB.
CT scan: Provides detailed images of the lungs and other organs to assess the extent of TB
infection.
Standard Treatment for Drug-Sensitive TB:
Initial Phase (2 months): Four-drug regimen consisting of Isoniazid (INH), Rifampicin (RIF),
Pyrazinamide (PZA), and Ethambutol (EMB).
Continuation Phase (4 months): Two-drug regimen with Isoniazid (INH) and Rifampicin (RIF).
Treatment for Drug-Resistant TB:
Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB): Requires longer and more complex regimens with second-
line drugs such as fluoroquinolones (e.g., Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin) and injectable agents (e.g.,
Amikacin, Capreomycin).
Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB): Involves even more extensive drug regimens,
including newer drugs like Bedaquiline, Delamanid, and Linezolid.
Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS):
Ensures patients adhere to their treatment regimen by having healthcare workers or trained
volunteers observe and record patients taking their medications.
Vaccines and Preventive Measures:
BCG Vaccine: Administered at birth in TB-endemic countries, provides partial protection
against severe forms of TB in children.
New Vaccine Candidates: Several candidates are in various stages of clinical trials (e.g.,
M72/AS01E, VPM1002).
Preventive Therapy: Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) for individuals with latent TB
infection, especially those with HIV.

4. Project Management Skills

Research Design:
Understanding of various study designs (e.g., cohort, case-control, randomized controlled trials,
cross sectional, qualitative study etc).
Ability to develop research protocols, including objectives, methodology, and analysis plans.
Data Management:
Proficiency in designing data collection tools, managing databases, and ensuring data quality.
Experience with data cleaning, coding, and entry.
Grant Writing and Funding:
Experience in writing grant proposals, including background, significance, methodology, and
budget justifications.
Understanding of funding sources (e.g., government grants, non-profit organizations,
international bodies).
Collaboration:
Experience working with multidisciplinary teams, government agencies, and community
organizations.
Ability to coordinate and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
5. Statistical and Analytical Skills
Biostatistics:
Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods used in public health research (e.g., hypothesis
testing, regression analysis).
Ability to perform statistical analyses and interpret results.
T-Test (Independent Samples T-Test):
Definition: A parametric statistical test used to determine if there are significant differences
between the means of two independent groups.
Application in Context:
Usage: Compare the mean TB incidence rates between urban and rural populations in India.
Purpose: Assess if there is a statistically significant difference in TB burden based on
geographical location, informing targeted interventions.
Chi-Square Test (Chi-Square Test of Independence):
Definition: A statistical test used to determine if there is a significant association between two
categorical variables.
Application in Context:
Usage: Assess the association between BCG vaccination coverage (yes/no) and TB incidence
rates (low/medium/high) across different states in India.
Purpose: Evaluate if BCG vaccination coverage is associated with lower TB incidence rates,
supporting the effectiveness of vaccination programs.
Regression Analysis (Linear Regression or Logistic Regression):
Definition: Statistical methods used to examine the relationship between one or more predictor
variables (independent variables) and a response variable (dependent variable).
Application in Context:
Usage: Conduct linear regression to analyze the trend in TB incidence rates over time across
various districts in India.
Purpose: Identify factors contributing to temporal changes in TB burden, guiding strategic
planning and resource allocation.
Time-Series Analysis:
Definition: Statistical methods used to analyze data collected over time to identify patterns,
trends, and seasonal variations.
Application in Context:
Usage: Apply time-series modeling to forecast future trends in TB incidence rates based on
historical data.
Purpose: Support proactive planning and resource allocation for TB control programs,
anticipating seasonal variations and long-term trends.

General Questions:

1. Can you tell us about your background and experience related to TB research?
o "I have a Master's degree in Public Health with a focus on infectious diseases.
My previous work includes conducting epidemiological studies on TB in
urban and rural settings, collaborating with healthcare providers to improve
diagnostic accuracy, and analyzing data to identify trends and risk factors
associated with TB transmission."
2. Why are you interested in this particular project and position?
o "I am passionate about infectious disease control and public health, and this
project aligns perfectly with my career goals. Mizoram has unique challenges
 and opportunities in TB control, and I am eager to contribute my expertise to
make a tangible impact in this region."
3. What do you know about the current TB situation in India and Mizoram
specifically?
o "India bears the highest TB burden globally, with significant challenges
including drug-resistant TB and co-infections with HIV. In Mizoram, the TB
there was 108 deaths due to TB in 2023, necessitating targeted interventions
and research to address local factors contributing to TB spread."

Project-Specific Questions:

4. What are the key objectives of the "Accelerating efforts to end TB in India"
project?
o "The key objectives include improving TB diagnosis and treatment outcomes,
integrating advanced diagnostic technologies like digital x-rays, enhancing
data collection and analysis, and developing community-based interventions to
increase awareness and adherence to treatment protocols."
5. How do you think this project will contribute to the overall goal of ending TB in
India?
o "This project will provide critical data and insights to refine and optimize
current TB control strategies. By identifying and addressing gaps in existing
programs, developing innovative diagnostic and treatment methods, and
engaging with communities, we can significantly reduce TB incidence and
improve patient outcomes."
6. What role do you see yourself playing in this project?
o "I see myself as a pivotal member of the research team, coordinating between
various roles, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of data collection and
analysis, and translating research findings into actionable strategies. I will also
focus on fostering collaboration among team members and stakeholders."
7. How would you collaborate with the x-ray technician, lab technician, and data
entry operator in this project?
o "I would establish clear communication channels and regular meetings to
ensure alignment on project goals and timelines. By providing training and
support, I would ensure that each team member understands their role in the
research process and the importance of accurate and timely data collection."

Technical and Research Questions:

8. What methodologies do you think are most effective for TB research and why?
o "Combination methodologies are effective, including cohort studies to track
patient outcomes over time, cross-sectional studies to assess TB prevalence in
specific populations, and case-control studies to identify risk factors. Utilizing
molecular diagnostic techniques and advanced imaging can enhance the
accuracy and speed of TB diagnosis."
9. Can you discuss any specific biostatistical techniques that are particularly
relevant to TB research?
o "Logistic regression is crucial for identifying risk factors associated with TB,
while survival analysis helps in understanding patient outcomes and treatment
efficacy. Bayesian methods can be used for predictive modeling, and cluster
analysis is useful for identifying patterns in TB spread."
 10. How do you ensure the accuracy and reliability of data collected during TB
research?
o "Implementing standardized protocols for data collection, regular training
sessions for data collectors, and rigorous data validation procedures are
essential. Additionally, using electronic data capture systems with built-in
checks can minimize errors and ensure data integrity."

Practical Implementation Questions:

11. How would you handle discrepancies in data or unexpected results during the
study?
o "I would first verify the data sources and methods to identify any errors or
biases. If discrepancies persist, I would conduct additional analyses or gather
more data to understand the underlying causes. Open communication with the
team to discuss and address these issues is crucial."
12. What strategies would you use to ensure community engagement and
cooperation in the study areas?
o "Building trust through transparent communication and involving community
leaders and healthcare workers in planning and implementation phases is key.
Conducting awareness campaigns and educational programs can also help in
gaining community support and participation."
13. How would you manage and analyze the data collected from various sources,
including lab results and x-ray images?
o "Using a centralized database with standardized formats for data entry can
streamline data management. Employing software tools for data integration
and analysis ensures consistency and accuracy. Regular data audits and cross-
verification between different data sources are also essential."
14. Can you describe any previous experience you have in managing a team of
technicians and data entry operators?
o "In my previous project, I managed a team of lab technicians and data entry
operators by setting clear goals, providing regular training, and establishing a
feedback mechanism to address any issues promptly. This approach ensured
smooth project execution and high-quality data collection."

Policy and Impact Questions:

15. How do you think the findings from this project could influence TB policy and
practice in India?
o "By providing evidence-based insights, the findings can inform the
development of more effective TB control policies and programs. They can
highlight areas needing more resources, guide the implementation of new
diagnostic technologies, and shape community engagement strategies."
16. What measures would you recommend to ensure the sustainability of TB control
efforts post-project?
o "Ensuring sustainability involves building local capacity through training and
empowering healthcare workers, integrating successful interventions into
existing health systems, and securing ongoing funding and support from
government and non-governmental organizations."
17. How would you communicate the results of your research to stakeholders,
including policymakers, healthcare providers, and the general public?
 o "I would use a multi-faceted approach, including detailed reports and policy
briefs for policymakers, training sessions and guidelines for healthcare
providers, and public awareness campaigns using media and community
outreach to inform the general public."

Personal Attributes and Skills:

18. How do you stay updated with the latest research and developments in TB and
infectious diseases?
o "I regularly read scientific journals, attend conferences and workshops, and
participate in online courses and webinars. I also engage with professional
networks and collaborate with colleagues to share knowledge and stay
informed about the latest advancements."
19. Describe a challenging situation you faced in a previous research project and
how you overcame it.
o "In a previous project, we faced a challenge with low participant enrollment. I
addressed this by increasing community engagement efforts, involving local
leaders, and providing incentives for participation. This approach significantly
improved enrollment rates and project outcomes."
20. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a researcher?
o "My strengths include strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the
ability to communicate complex information clearly. My weakness is
sometimes overcommitting to projects, but I am working on better time
management and delegation to balance my workload."
21. How do you prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a research
setting?
o "I use project management tools to organize tasks and set clear deadlines.
Prioritizing tasks based on their impact and urgency, and maintaining open
communication with team members, helps ensure timely completion of all
project activities."

Ethical and Regulatory Questions:

22. How do you ensure that your research adheres to ethical guidelines and
regulations?
o "I adhere to established ethical guidelines, such as obtaining informed consent,
ensuring confidentiality, and minimizing harm to participants. Regular training
on ethical standards and compliance with institutional review boards (IRBs)
and regulatory bodies are also critical."
23. What steps would you take to protect patient confidentiality and data security
during the study?
o "Implementing secure data storage systems, using encryption for sensitive
information, and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to data
are key steps. Additionally, regular audits and adherence to data protection
regulations ensure ongoing security."
24. How would you handle a situation where there is a conflict of interest within the
research team?
o "I would address it promptly by discussing the issue openly with the involved
parties, ensuring transparency, and seeking guidance from an ethics committee
 if necessary. Maintaining clear communication and documentation helps in
resolving conflicts effectively."

Contribution to Broader Initiatives:

25. In what ways do you think your work on this project could complement existing
government initiatives to combat TB?
o "My work can provide valuable data and insights that enhance the
effectiveness of government initiatives, identify best practices for scaling up
successful interventions, and offer innovative solutions to persistent
challenges in TB control."
26. How would you leverage partnerships with other organizations or institutions to
enhance the impact of the project?
o "By collaborating with academic institutions, non-governmental organizations,
and international health bodies, we can share resources, knowledge, and
expertise. These partnerships can also facilitate access to additional funding
and support for scaling up successful interventions."
27. What innovative approaches would you bring to this project to accelerate the
efforts to end TB in India?
o "I would advocate for the integration of digital health technologies, such as
mobile apps for patient monitoring and follow-up, and the use of artificial
intelligence in analyzing diagnostic images. Additionally, community-based
participatory research methods can enhance local engagement and ownership."

MCQ
Section 1: Tuberculosis (TB) Knowledge

1. Which of the following is the causative agent of tuberculosis?

o A) Mycobacterium leprae
o B) Mycobacterium tuberculosis
o C) Mycobacterium avium
o D) Mycobacterium bovis

2. The most common site of TB infection in the body is:

o A) Bones
o B) Kidneys
o C) Lungs
o D) Liver

3. Which of the following drugs is NOT part of the first-line treatment for TB?
o A) Isoniazid
o B) Rifampicin
o C) Ethambutol
o D) Ciprofloxacin
 4. What is the standard duration for TB treatment under the DOTS strategy?
o A) 4 months
o B) 6 months
o C) 9 months
o D) 12 months

5. Which test is commonly used for diagnosing latent TB infection?

o A) Sputum smear microscopy
o B) Chest X-ray
o C) Tuberculin skin test (TST)
o D) PCR

6. The BCG vaccine is primarily used to:

o A) Prevent TB infection
o B) Treat active TB
o C) Prevent severe forms of TB in children
o D) Cure drug-resistant TB

7. Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB) is defined by resistance to:

o A) Isoniazid and Rifampicin
o B) Isoniazid and Ethambutol
o C) Rifampicin and Pyrazinamide
o D) Ethambutol and Streptomycin

8. The End TB Strategy by WHO aims to reduce TB incidence by what percentage

by 2035?
o A) 50%
o B) 75%
o C) 90%
o D) 95%

9. Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of pulmonary TB?

o A) Cough lasting more than 2 weeks
o B) Night sweats
o C) Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
o D) Itchy skin

10. Which of the following populations is at highest risk for TB infection?

o A) People with HIV
o B) Pregnant women
o C) Children under 5 years old
o D) Elderly over 70 years old

Section 2: Research Methods and Biostatistics

11. In a clinical trial, the group that receives the placebo is known as:
o A) Experimental group
o B) Control group
o C) Intervention group
o D) Randomized group
12. The measure of central tendency that divides the data set into two equal parts is:
o A) Mean
o B) Median
o C) Mode
o D) Standard deviation

13. Which statistical test is most appropriate for comparing the means of two
independent groups?
o A) Chi-square test
o B) T-test
o C) ANOVA
o D) Correlation

14. The p-value in hypothesis testing is used to determine:

o A) The probability of the null hypothesis being true
o B) The significance of the results
o C) The effect size
o D) The power of the test

15. A type I error occurs when:

o A) The null hypothesis is incorrectly accepted
o B) The null hypothesis is incorrectly rejected
o C) The alternative hypothesis is incorrectly accepted
o D) The alternative hypothesis is incorrectly rejected

16. What type of study design is best for identifying risk factors for a disease?
o A) Cross-sectional study
o B) Cohort study
o C) Case-control study
o D) Randomized controlled trial

17. In a cohort study, the relative risk is a measure of:

o A) The strength of association between exposure and outcome
o B) The incidence rate in the exposed group
o C) The prevalence of the outcome in the study population
o D) The absolute risk of the outcome

18. Which of the following is a non-parametric test?

o A) T-test
o B) Chi-square test
o C) ANOVA
o D) Pearson correlation

19. When the sample size increases, the confidence interval for a mean:
o A) Becomes wider
o B) Becomes narrower
o C) Stays the same
o D) Depends on the standard deviation

20. In logistic regression, the outcome variable is:

 o A) Continuous
o B) Ordinal
o C) Categorical
o D) Ratio

Section 3: Epidemiology and Public Health

21. The basic reproduction number (R0) for a disease indicates:

o A) The number of secondary cases generated by one case in a susceptible population
o B) The proportion of the population that needs to be immune to prevent an
epidemic
o C) The rate at which new cases occur in a population
o D) The mortality rate of the disease

22. The concept of herd immunity is primarily important for:

o A) Non-communicable diseases
o B) Infectious diseases
o C) Genetic disorders
o D) Chronic conditions

23. Which type of bias occurs when the results of a study are systematically different
from the truth due to the selection of participants?
o A) Information bias
o B) Selection bias
o C) Confounding bias
o D) Attrition bias

24. The DALY (Disability-Adjusted Life Year) is a measure that includes:

o A) Years of life lost due to premature mortality
o B) Years of life lost due to disability
o C) Both A and B
o D) Only years of life lost due to premature mortality

25. Which of the following is NOT a component of the WHO DOTS strategy for TB
control?
o A) Political commitment with increased and sustained financing
o B) Case detection by sputum smear microscopy
o C) Standardized treatment with supervision and patient support
o D) Universal vaccination against TB

26. Incidence rate is defined as:

o A) The number of new cases of a disease in a population over a specific period of
time
o B) The total number of cases of a disease in a population at a given time
o C) The percentage of people who die from a disease
o D) The average duration of a disease in a population

27. Which of the following is a measure of association in epidemiological studies?

o A) Incidence rate
o B) Prevalence
 o C) Relative risk
o D) Case fatality rate

28. Which of the following is an example of a modifiable risk factor for TB?
o A) Age
o B) HIV status
o C) Smoking
o D) Genetic predisposition

29. The concept of “equity in health” refers to:

o A) Equal access to health services for all
o B) The absence of avoidable or remediable differences among groups of people
o C) The provision of healthcare services according to the ability to pay
o D) The same level of health status for all individuals

30. A key indicator for monitoring progress in TB control is:

o A) TB incidence rate
o B) TB prevalence rate
o C) TB case detection rate
o D) TB mortality rate

Section 4: Project Management and Implementation

31. Which of the following is the first step in the project management process?
o A) Planning
o B) Execution
o C) Initiation
o D) Monitoring and controlling

32. A Gantt chart is used for:

o A) Budget estimation
o B) Risk assessment
o C) Project scheduling
o D) Quality control

33. The SMART criteria for setting project goals stands for:
o A) Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
o B) Simple, Manageable, Assignable, Realistic, Timely
o C) Strategic, Modifiable, Attainable, Reproducible, Trackable
o D) Specific, Meaningful, Action-oriented, Realistic, Testable

34. Which of the following is an example of a qualitative research method?

o A) Focus groups
o B) Randomized controlled trials
o C) Cross-sectional surveys
o D) Cohort studies

35. In project management, stakeholders refer to:

o A) People who work directly on the project
o B) Individuals or groups who are affected by or can affect the project
 o C) The project management team
o D) The beneficiaries of the project

36. Risk management in a project includes all of the following EXCEPT:

o A) Identifying potential risks
o B) Assessing the impact of risks
o C) Eliminating all risks
o D) Developing strategies to manage risks

37. Which of the following is NOT a part of the project life cycle?
o A) Planning
o B) Monitoring
o C) Budgeting
o D) Closing

38. The term “scope creep” in project management refers to:

o A) Gradual expansion of project scope without proper control
o B) Sudden reduction in project scope
o C) The project going over budget
o D) Completion of the project ahead of schedule

39. Which of the following is a tool for managing project resources?

o A) SWOT analysis
o B) PERT chart
o C) Resource allocation matrix
o D) Pareto chart

40. In project management, “milestones” refer to:

o A) Major deliverables or events in the project timeline
o B) The final completion of the project
o C) The budgetary constraints of the project
o D) The team members’ personal achievements

Section 5: Ethics and Regulations in Research

41. The principle of “informed consent” in research ethics means:

o A) Participants must be aware of the study’s risks and benefits before agreeing to
participate
o B) Researchers can decide on behalf of participants
o C) Consent can be waived in case of low-risk studies
o D) Participants are only informed after the study is completed

42. Which of the following is NOT considered a vulnerable population in research?

o A) Children
o B) Prisoners
o C) Pregnant women
o D) University students

43. In research, confidentiality refers to:

o A) Keeping the identity of participants anonymous
 o B) Ensuring that the data collected is not shared with unauthorized persons
o C) Providing participants with the results of the study
o D) Allowing access to data only for the research team

44. Which international document outlines ethical principles for medical research
involving human subjects?
o A) Belmont Report
o B) Declaration of Helsinki
o C) Nuremberg Code
o D) Universal Declaration of Human Rights

45. The purpose of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to:

o A) Approve funding for research studies
o B) Protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects
o C) Review the scientific merit of research studies
o D) Monitor the progress of clinical trials

46. Which of the following is NOT an ethical issue in TB research?

o A) Informed consent
o B) Patient confidentiality
o C) Financial compensation for participation
o D) Selection of participants

47. In research, “conflict of interest” occurs when:

o A) The researcher’s personal interests may compromise the study’s integrity
o B) Participants disagree with the study’s objectives
o C) The funding organization influences the study’s outcomes
o D) The research team has different opinions on the study design

48. Which of the following is NOT a principle of the Belmont Report?

o A) Respect for persons
o B) Beneficence
o C) Justice
o D) Transparency

49. In the context of public health research, “equipoise” refers to:

o A) The balance of benefits and risks in a study
o B) The uncertainty about which intervention is better
o C) The equal distribution of resources in a study
o D) The fair selection of study participants

50. When conducting TB research in a community, it is important to:

o A) Seek community input and engagement
o B) Focus solely on the scientific outcomes
o C) Avoid discussing the study with community leaders
o D) Ensure that only researchers from the community are involved

Answers:
1.1 B
2.2 C
3.3 D
4.4 B
5.5 C
6.6 C
7.7 A
8.8 C
9.9 D
10.10 A
11.11 B
12.12 B
13.13 B
14.14 B
15.15 B
16.16 B
17.17 A
18.18 B
19.19 B
20.20 C
21.21 A
22.22 B
23.23 B
24.24 C
25.25 D
26.26 A
27.27 C
28.28 C
29.29 B
30.30 C
31.31 C
32.32 C
33.33 A
34.34 A
35.35 B
36.36 C
37.37 C
38.38 A
39.39 C
40.40 A
41.41 A
42.42 D
43.43 B
44.44 B
45.45 B
46.46 C
47.47 A
48.48 D
49.49 B
50.50 A

Jai Pratap Singh (born 7 September 1953) is an Indian politician serving as the Minister of
Medical and Health, Family Welfare
Shri Brajesh Pathak- UP health minister
Shri Yogi Adityanath Hon’ble Chief Minister Government of U.P