DefinePK

Abstract

Abstract


Aims: To establish various factors that affect TB treatment adherence over time.
Design/Setting:  Semi-structured questionnaire. All newly diagnosed cases of TB at Bethamia Hospital, Sialkot were interviewed at the beginning of treatment, one month of therapy and at the end of intensive phase. Results: Perception of TB as a stigmatising disease was found related to early defaulting and to a lesser degree to late defaulting. Knowledge of TB in itself did not have a clear impact on defaulting, but the attitude towards interruption of treatment did. The strongest risk factor is irregularity of dt’ug intake and appointment keeping.
Conclusion: Strategies to improve treatment adherence should concentrate on methods to iticrease patient’s motivation for treatment