Barriers to accepting and completing latent tuberculosis infection treatment.
Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) is an important component of any TB control strategy. Acceptance and completion of treatment is poor. We undertook this study to identify barriers to acceptance & completion of treatment. Patients attending TB clinics completed a self-administered survey. Medical notes and electronic pharmacy records were reviewed. 143 surveys were completed. 70 (49%) completed treatment. Patients were less likely to accept treatment (p = 0.01, RR 0.781, CI 0.643-0.950) and less likely to complete treatment (p = 0.01, RR 0.640, CI 0.462-0.885) when concerned about the side effects of LTBI medication. Completion of LTBI treatment is sub-optimal. The major barrier identified was fear about side effects caused by LTBI medications.
Respiratory Department, CResT Directorate, St James's Hospital, James's St, Dublin 8. mlawlor@stjames.ie
M
M
Kane
B
B
Korn
J
J
Saukkonen
C
C
McDonald
C
C
Walsh
R
R
Waters
A M
AM
McLaughlin
J
J
Keane
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D055985:Latent Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult
D000995:Antitubercular Agents