title: Determinants of non adherence to tuberculosis treatment in Argentina: barriers related to access to treatment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the association between non-adherence to tuberculosis treatment and access to treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, Argentina. One hundred twenty three patients notified in 2007 (38 non adherent and 85 adherents) were interviewed regarding the health care process and socio-demographic characteristics. Factors associated to non-adherence were assessed through logistic regression analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An increased risk of non-adherence with to treatment was found in male patients (OR = 2.8; 95%CI 1.2 - 6.7), patients who had medical check-ups at hospitals (OR = 3.4; 95%CI 1.1 - 10.0) and those who had difficulties with transportation costs (OR = 2.5; 95%CI 1.1 - 5.9).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Risk of non-adherence increases as a result of economic barriers in accessing health care facilities. Decentralization of treatment to primary health care centers and social protection measures for patients should be considered as priorities for disease control strategies in order to lessen the impact of those barriers on adherence to treatment.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Estudios de Estado y Sociedad, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: María Belén
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Herrero
authors.affiliation: Centro de Estudios de Estado y Sociedad, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Silvina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ramos
authors.affiliation: Centro de Estudios de Estado y Sociedad, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Silvina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arrossi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult