title: Understanding of latent tuberculosis, its treatment and treatment side effects in immigrant and refugee patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Isoniazid treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is commonly prescribed in refugees and immigrants. We aimed to assess understanding of information provided about LTBI, its treatment and potential side effects.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire was administered in clinics at a tertiary hospital. Total Knowledge (TKS) and Total Side Effect Scores (TSES) were derived. Logistic regression analyses were employed to correlate socio-demographic factors with knowledge.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-two participants were recruited, 20 at isoniazid commencement and 32 already on isoniazid. The average TKS were 5.04/9 and 6.23/9 respectively and were significantly associated with interpreter use. Approximately half did not know how tuberculosis was transmitted. The average TSES were 5.0/7 and 3.5/7 respectively, but were not influenced by socio-demographic factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was suboptimal knowledge about LTBI. Improvements in health messages delivered via interpreters and additional methods of distributing information need to be developed for this patient population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Grattan St Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia. caroline.marshall@mh.org.au.
authors.forename: Katie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Butcher
authors.forename: Beverley-Ann
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Biggs
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Leder
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lemoh
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Marshall
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001315:Australia; D003144:Communication Barriers; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007538:Isoniazid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055985:Latent Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012036:Refugees; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D007538:Isoniazid