Non-Adherence to Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment among Newly Diagnosis Tuberculosis Patients Treated under DOTS in District Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Non-Adherence among Tuberculosis Patients

Abstract

Chhattisgarh is currently facing several challenges with communicable and non-communicable diseases. Tuberculosis is one of the most common communicable diseases in Chhattisgarh. The non-adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) among tuberculosis patients is a big concern in Chhattisgarh. Objective: This study identifies the reasons for non-adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment among newly diagnosed patients. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional descriptive community-based exploratory study, conducted in selected The DOTS centres had been selected according to convenience and accessibility DOTS centers in Raipur district, Chhattisgarh, from January to April 2018. A total of 47 non-adherent patients were interviewed and data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire. Data was entered and analyzed by using an Excel worksheet and SPSS version 20.0 statistical software. Results: A total of 47 non-adherent patients were interviewed, a total of 47 participants, 91.5% were males and 8.5% were females out of them 91.5% were males and 8.5% were females. The mean age of participants was 40.44 years. 76.6% of non-adherent patients heard about tuberculosis before diagnosis. The main source of information about TB was health workers (42.6%), majority of the patients 75.5% said  that Tuberculosis is an infectious disease. About the mode of transmission of disease, a maximum of 25.5% of patients replied as coughing and sneezing. The most important reasons for non-adherence to ATT were side effects of drugs 27.7% followed by alcohol consumption 23%, feel better 21.3%, do not believe in government hospitals 6.4%, co-morbidity 4.3%, migration 8.5%, do not have a disease 6.4%, and accident 2.1%.  One of the most contributing factors for non-adherence is the existence of anti-tubercular side effects. Conclusions: The present study revealed that most patients have heard of tuberculosis (TB), however, there is a considerable knowledge gap among TB patients about disease transmission, preventive measures, and duration of the treatment. The most common regions for stopping anti-tuberculosis treatment were adverse effects of anti-tubercular drugs, alcohol consumption, feeling better after a few months of treatment, and migration of patients either to their native place or hunting for new work.