Adherence to latent tuberculosis of patient in the active screening program in Bac Giang province in 2021 and some factors affecting

Abstract

Objective: The study aims to describe the treatment adherence and analyze some factors affecting the treatment adherence of latent TB patients detected in the active screening program in Bac Giang province in 2021.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design combining quantitative and qualitative research was conducted through interviews with 57 latent TB patients, 16 indepth interviews from January to the end of April 2021.

Main findings: The rate of adherence to treatment of latent TB patients was 43,9%. The factors that positively affect treatment adherence are the support of drugs and testing of the national anti-tuberculosis program; the advice and guidance of medical staff; family support. Factors that have not positively affected adherence to treatment are: poor awareness of patients in treatment adherence, alcohol abuse; busy work; the patient’s knowledge about latent TB is incomplete; lack of supervision from medical staff; the distance from home to a far away medical facility; adverse reactions and prolonged use of the drug; stigma from people around.

Conclusions: For medical facilities that treat latent TB patients: Provide counseling and education to patients about the principles of latent TB treatment and the importance of following these principles ; Organize counseling for the patient’s family about latent tuberculosis, coordinate with the patient’s family in monitoring and treatment; Training and retraining for health workers on management and treatment of latent TB. For future studies, it is necessary to study and analyze the factors affecting the treatment adherence and treatment participation of latent TB patients.