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. 2013 Jan;3(1):67-74.
doi: 10.4103/2141-9248.109507.

Non-adherence of new pulmonary tuberculosis patients to anti-tuberculosis treatment

Py Kulkarni  1 , Sv Akarte, Rm Mankeshwar, Js Bhawalkar, A Banerjee, Ad Kulkarni
Affiliations

Non-adherence of new pulmonary tuberculosis patients to anti-tuberculosis treatment

Py Kulkarni et al. Ann Med Health Sci Res. 2013 Jan.

Abstract

Background: Non-adherence to anti-tuberculosis (TB) treatment adversely affects treatment success rate. It increases disease morbidity and mortality. Also, it contributes significantly to the development of drug resistance.

Aim: To identify risk factors for non-adherence to anti-TB treatment by new pulmonary TB patients.

Subjects and methods: It is a prospective cohort study at 21 TB treatment centres in E ward of Mumbai Municipal Corporation. All sputum smear positive new pulmonary TB patients initiated on treatment regimen of short course chemotherapy fro 1(st) January to 30(th) June of a calendar year were enrolled and followed up till any final outcome as per revised national TB control program. Non-adherence was defined as interruption of anti-TB treatment for ≥ 1 month. The factors were identified by univariate and logistic regression analysis.

Results: We studied 156 newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients. Out of these 78 (50%) were non-adherent to anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT). Independent risk factors for non-adherence were identified as male gender (P = 0.035) and lack of knowledge of importance of regular treatment (P = 0.001). Being female sex worker (FSW) was also an absolute risk factor for non-adherence.

Conclusions: There is immense need for continuous, effective and reinforcing health education to the patient and his family. Special groups like males in the age group of 15-49 years, patients who do not have any family support like migrants, FSW need special attention to ensure adherence to ATT.

Keywords: Adherence; Anti-tuberculosis treatment; Non-adherence.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distrubution of cases by patients treatment outcome
Figure 2
Figure 2
Gender & Non-adherence
Figure 3
Figure 3
Knowledge of importance of regular treatment & non-adherence
Figure 4
Figure 4
CSWs & non-adherence
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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