title: Feasibility of an alcohol intervention programme for TB patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD)--a qualitative study from Chennai, South India.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The negative influences of alcohol on TB management with regard to delays in seeking care as well as non compliance for treatment has been well documented. This study is part of a larger study on the prevalence of AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder) among TB patients which revealed that almost a quarter of TB patients who consumed alcohol could be classified as those who had AUD. However there is dearth of any effective alcohol intervention programme for TB patients with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
  
  
  METHODS
  This qualitative study using the ecological system model was done to gain insights into the perceived effect of alcohol use on TB treatment and perceived necessity of an intervention programme for TB patients with AUD. We used purposive sampling to select 44 men from 73 TB patients with an AUDIT score >8. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and interviews were conducted with TB patients with AUD, their family members and health providers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  TB patients with AUD report excessive alcohol intake as one of the reasons for their vulnerability for TB. Peer pressure has been reported by many as the main reason for alcohol consumption. The influences of alcohol use on TB treatment has been elaborated especially with regard to the fears around the adverse effects of alcohol on TB drugs and the fear of being reprimanded by health providers. The need for alcohol intervention programs was expressed by the TB patients, their families and health providers. Suggestions for the intervention programmes included individual and group sessions, involvement of family members, audiovisual aids and the importance of sensitization by health staff.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings call for urgent need based interventions which need to be pilot tested with a randomized control trial to bring out a model intervention programme for TB patients with AUD.
authors: Tuberculosis Research Centre, Chetput, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. beenaelli09@gmail.com
authors: Beena
authors: B
authors: Thomas
authors: Mohanarani
authors: M
authors: Suhadev
authors: Jamuna
authors: J
authors: Mani
authors: B Gopala
authors: BG
authors: Ganapathy
authors: Asaithambi
authors: A
authors: Armugam
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Faizunnisha
authors: Mohanasundari
authors: M
authors: Chelliah
authors: Fraser
authors: F
authors: Wares
mesh_terms: D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000150:complications*