A Cross Sectional Study to Assess the Non-Adherence to Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment and Determinant Factors among Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis

ABSTRACT

Aims: Due to non-adherence of tuberculosis (TB) patients to treatment, complications may arise and if remaining infectious, these patients may infect other people with TB. To obtain information about factors associated with nonadherence, we performed a study comparing adherent and non-adherent TB patients. Method: Adherent and nonadherent patients randomly selected from government hospital and private hospital were interviewed using pre structured questionnaires. Key informant interviews were done with patients Results: The most frequently mentioned reason for non-adherence to treatment was taking treatment from government hospital. Although the drugs were given free of charge, many patients were non-adherent because of lack of money, attitude and misbelieves of patient. Social support was considered very important for adherence. The study indicated that patients who had low level of education, frequently travelling were showing non- adherent to treatment. Conclusion: Treatment adherence of TB patients receiving treatment in private hospital might be improved by providing health education about treatment duration and side effects, facilitating procedures for receiving treatment free of charge and reducing costs of transportation and consultation. Qualified friendly health care staff able to motivate patients might further improve adherence in government hospital.