Assessment of treatment adherence among TB patients under public private mix (PPM TB) general practitioners’ clinics in Yangon, Myanmar.

ABSTRACT

Treatment adherence plays a key role towards the achievement of TB control programmes. Poor or non-adherence to TB treatment among TB patients can pose the risk for drug resistance, relapse and prolonged illness. This study is to assess the treatment adherence among TB patients under Public-Private-Mix (PPM) DOTS program in Yangon, Myanmar and to identify the influencing factors. A total of 175 TB patients who have been receiving anti TB treatment from the general practitioners’ clinics were used in this cross sectional study and individually interviewed to collect data socio demography, clinical characteristics, adherence to anti TB treatment, knowledge, perception, accessibility, affordability, availability and acceptability of service; and social support. Of 175 respondent TB patients, a majority of 167 (95.4%) were adherent to the treatment whereas 8 (4.6%) were non adherent mainly due to co morbidities and suffering multiple side effects. There were significant associations between perception, accessibility to and availability of services and social support and treatment adherence. Co morbidity and multiple side effects had also significant association with treatment adherence.It can be concluded that this study revealed the good adherence among TB patients and reflected some influencing factors for treatment adherence which would be beneficial to takeremedial measures for program ‘s weaknesses and for further successful implementation of PPM DOTS program and national TB control program as well.