Latent variable assessment of outcomes in a nurse-managed intervention to increase latent tuberculosis treatment completion in homeless adults.
OBJECTIVE
To assess predictors of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) completion by using structural equation modeling (SEM) among homeless adults, a group at great risk for LTBI and active tuberculosis (TB). LTBI therapy is effective in stemming the progression to active TB, yet treatment adherence among homeless persons is difficult to attain.


METHODS
By using SEM, the authors assessed predictors of LTBI completion among a sample of 494 homeless adults in Los Angeles, CA, who received either a nurse case-managed program (NCM) or a usual care program.


METHODS
Latent variables were created with the baseline variables of site type, age, intervention status, dissatisfaction with health care, depression, TB risk assessment, alcohol use, heroin or cocaine use, and TB knowledge. Outcome variables included many of the same baseline variables as well as treatment completion.


RESULTS
LTBI treatment completion (100% adherence) was significantly and positively associated with participation in NCM, older age, and less heroin or cocaine use. NCM also predicted greater TB knowledge, greater ease of treatment, and more satisfaction with treatment (NCM completion rate = 64%, control rate = 42%).


CONCLUSIONS
The culturally competent NCM program, combined with active tracking and incentives, was successful in a difficult-to-treat and highly transient population.
Nyamathi
Adeline
A
School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1702, USA. anyamath@sonnet.ucla.edu
Stein
Judith A
JA
Schumann
Anja
A
Tyler
Darlene
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019090:Case Management; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007538:Isoniazid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015141:Los Angeles; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing*
D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D007538:Isoniazid