The dynamics of tuberculosis treatment adherence.
OBJECTIVE
To establish various factors that affect TB treatment adherence over time.


METHODS
Semi-structured questionnaire. All newly diagnosed cases of TB at Bethamia Hospital, Sialkot were interviewed at the beginning of treatment, one month of therapy and at the end of intensive phase.


RESULTS
Perception of TB as a stigmatising disease was found related to early defaulting and to a lesser degree to late defaulting. Knowledge of TB in itself did not have a clear impact on defaulting, but the attitude towards interruption of treatment did. The strongest risk factor is irregularity of drug intake and appointment keeping.


CONCLUSIONS
Strategies to improve treatment adherence should concentrate on methods to increase patient's motivation for treatment.
Liefooghe
R
R
Muynck
A D
AD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy*