Treatment-seeking behaviors and improvement in adherence to treatment regimen of tuberculosis patients using intensive triad-model program, Thailand.
The aims of this study were to determine tuberculosis patients' treatment-seeking behaviors, to describe knowledge of TB among TB patients, how that knowledge affected their treatment-seeking behaviors, and to develop an appropriate model to strengthen the existing DOTS program. A cross-sectional study was conducted in all government TB clinics in Samut Prakan Province, Thailand during November 2005-May 2006. The triad model, which emphasizes the role of a triad of persons (the healthcare provider, the TB patient, and his/her treatment supporter), can improve patient adherence to TB treatment regimen. The results showed that only about a quarter (27.7%) of TB patients chose the hospitals with TB clinic for first treatment, while others chose alternative healthcare modes, including self-care and purchasing drugs from drugstores. The rate of successful treatment was higher for the experimental group (96.0%) than the control group (84.9%) (p = 0.057). The confirmed cure rate was also significantly higher in the experimental group (95.3% vs 78.9%, p = 0.02). The program could be utilized to strengthen the existing DOTS program.
Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. boonlue_chim@yahoo.com
Boonlue
B
Chimbanrai
Wijitr
W
Fungladda
Jaranit
J
Kaewkungwal
Udomsak
U
Silachamroon
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000379:methods; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D013785:Thailand; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*