Obstacles to the implementation of directly observed treatment in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
METHODS
Five tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and treatment centres in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.


OBJECTIVE
To identify obstacles to the direct observation of anti-tuberculosis treatment (DOT) so that it can be adapted to local contexts.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study conducted between August and September 2002 among new and retreatment TB cases in the initial phase of treatment. Information and suggestions were collected on obstacles encountered in DOT.


RESULTS
Among 74 patients interviewed, the main difficulties were the lack of assiduity among health personnel, the daily travel, the long distances, the high transportation costs and the high number of tablets. The main suggestions were a reduction in the number of tablets taken at a time, decentralisation of places where tablets are to be taken and weekly provision of drugs.


CONCLUSIONS
Obstacles to DOT should be addressed to optimise the effectiveness of anti-tuberculosis treatment.
Ouédraogo
M
M
Department of Pneumology, Yalgado Ouedraogo University Health Centre, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. patinda@ifrance.com
Kouanda
S
S
Dembélé
M
M
Ouédraogo
S M
SM
Badoum
G
G
Ouédraogo
G
G
Bambara
M
M
Yaogho
M G
MG
Drabo
Y J
YJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002050:Burkina Faso / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology
D000995:Antitubercular Agents