Risk factors for non-adherence to directly observed treatment (DOT) in a rural tuberculosis unit, South India

Indian J Tuberc. 2007 Apr;54(2):66-70.

Abstract

Objective: To identify risk factors for non-adherence of tuberculosis (TB) patients to DOT.

Methods: Retrospective study of TB patients by logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors for non-adherence.

Results: Of the 1666 patients interviewed, 1108 (67%) adhered and 558 (33%) did not adhere to DOT. Of 558 patients, the risk factors associated with non-adherence were illiteracy (39%), difficulty in accessing health facility (57%), and non-government DOT centre (43%).

Conclusion: Patients should be educated about tuberculosis and importance of DOT. All DOT centres, including Non-government DOT centres, should be made more accessible and patient-friendly.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Directly Observed Therapy*
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retreatment
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Rural Health Services
  • Rural Population
  • Treatment Refusal*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents