title: Exploring tuberculosis patients' adherence to treatment regimens and prevention programs at a public health site.
abstract: Our aim with this study was to explore the factors that contribute to tuberculosis patients' adherence and nonadherence to the Directly Observed Treatment Short Course strategy. A qualitative, phenomenological research design was used. Fifteen male and female participants between the ages of 18 and 57 years were recruited through purposive sampling at a primary care clinic located in a disadvantaged area, and in-depth interviews were conducted. The data analysis indicated that the factors found to influence adherence were social and economic resources; causal attributions assigned to TB; the social, cultural, economic, disease-related, and psychological challenges faced as a consequence of having TB; quality of health care received; use of the traditional healing system; and the participants' HIV status. Factors found to be associated with nonadherence included poverty, HIV co-infection, stigma, unsupportive social and work environments, and a high prevalence of helplessness and hopelessness.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Naidoo
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dick
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cooper
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D023801:Directly Observed Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents