Directly observed short course therapy for tuberculosis--a preliminary report of a three-year experience in a teaching hospital.
METHODS
The Chest Clinic of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, southwest Nigeria is a referral center for tuberculosis patients in the region. Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) has been in operation in the center since 1996.


OBJECTIVE
To review the outcome of patients on DOTS with the aim of determining factors that may influence compliance.


METHODS
Tuberculosis patients were placed on different treatment regimens according to the recommendation of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) and the Nigerian Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program (NTBLCP). The results were recorded and evaluated periodically by the clinic staff under central supervision. The outcome of treatment over a three-year period (1996-1999) was reviewed.


RESULTS
Five-hundred-seventy-one patients were treated during this period. Cure/treatment completed rate was 86.1%, and compliance rate was 93.8%. Age, sex category of treatment, and distance from hospital had no significant influence on drug compliance.


CONCLUSIONS
DOTS is an effective means of administering anti-TB drugs. Efforts should be channeled towards developing strategies for implementing DOTS in a more efficient way.
Erhabor
Gregory E
GE
Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-lfe, Osun State, Nigeria. gerhabor@oauife.edu.ng
Adewole
Olufemi
O
Adisa
Adewale O
AO
Olajolo
Olufadeke A
OA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D023801:Directly Observed Therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D010349:Patient Compliance; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000995:Antitubercular Agents