DefinePK

Abstract

Background:Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) presents significant challenges to treatment success, necessitating effective support systems.
Objective: To explore the impact of treatment supporters on the outcomes of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) patients.
Methodology:
A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 300 DR-TB patients, categorized by their treatment supporters, i.e. family members, and community health workers. Treatment outcomes were analyzed, including cure rates, treatment completion, mortality, treatment failure, and loss to follow-up. All data were entered into SPSS for final analysis.
Results:Of 300 treatment supporters, 63.7% were female, mostly aged 31-40. Treatment success was higher (44.3%) with family members as supporters, compared to 4.4% with non-family supporters. Among 265 drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) patients studied, 62.26% were male, and the most affected age group was 21-40 years (54.72%). Between 2017 and 2021, 41.5% completed treatment, 10.19% were cured, 18.87% died, and 11.7% each faced treatment failure or were lost to follow-up.
Conclusion:This study highlights the critical role of treatment supporters in enhancing adherence and improving recovery rates for DR-TB patients. The results underscore the importance of integrating effective treatment support programs into DR-TB management strategies. By optimizing the roles of various treatment supporters and addressing their challenges, healthcare systems can improve treatment success and contribute to broader public health efforts against tuberculosis.