[Significance of directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) for homeless males with tuberculosis. Interviews with patients in Kotobuki District, Japan].
OBJECTIVE
Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) is promoted as one of the most effective tuberculosis control measures throughout the world. The present qualitative descriptive study aimed to describe the experiences of homeless males treated with DOTS, and to find its significance from their perspective.


METHODS
Research participants were 26 male tuberculosis patients provided with DOTS by Yokohama city. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews as well as participant observation of DOTS self-administration and related services and charts review. Interviews were audio-taped and the contents were transcribed verbatim, and analyzed qualitatively.


RESULTS
Three categories were identified describing the life experience of men with tuberculosis; "Accepting hospitalization to change one's life"; "Having confidence in oneself with the task of taking DOTS"; and "Cherishing oneself". A core category, "Cherishing oneself through performing the task of taking DOTS while exploring the meaning of life" was identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Homeless males tried to cherish themselves respecting and caring for their personal needs realizing the meaning and worth of their lives through continuing the task of taking DOTS to treat their tuberculosis.
Nagahiro
Kae
K
Department of Community Health Nursing, Division of Health Sciences and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo.
Kobayashi
Sayuri
S
Murashima
Sachiyo
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D023801:Directly Observed Therapy; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000995:Antitubercular Agents