Psychosocial support groups for patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: five years of experience.
This detailed case history traces the first 5 years of a psychosocial support group intervention aimed to improve adherence to individualized drug regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Peru. A total of eight groups were established in metropolitan Lima and two provinces of Peru led by teams of psychiatrists and nurses. The intervention consisted of bi-monthly support groups, recreational excursions, symbolic celebrations, and periodic family workshops. Notably, of the 285 patients who participated in this intervention, only 3.5% defaulted from treatment. Details include the description of services, patient data, major psychosocial difficulties faced by this population, key challenges, and implications. Psychosocial support is a crucial component of treatment for MDR-TB in order to ensure completion of complicated treatment regimens and enable psychosocial rehabilitation after treatment.
Acha
J
J
Socios En Salud, Lima, Peru.
Sweetland
A
A
Guerra
D
D
Chalco
K
K
Castillo
H
H
Palacios
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010568:Peru; D012944:Social Support; D018088:Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant; D055815:Young Adult