PULMONARY TB PATIENT TREATMENT ADHERENCE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THEIR SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Objective: to evaluate adherence to treatment, lifestyle modification, medical support to TB patients from the perspective of their social characteristics. Materials and methods. The cross-sectional study included 135 TB patients admitted to hospital (96 males and 39 females) aged 37–55 years (Me = 45 years). Adherence to treatment was calculated using the questionnaire for quantitative assessment of treatment adherence (KOP-25). Adherence levels of 75–100% were considered high, less than 75% – low. Results. The average levels of adherence to treatment, lifestyle modification, medical support to TB patients were assessed as low (less than 75%); adherence to medical support was somewhat higher than treatment or lifestyle modification. The male patients demonstrated significantly better adherence to treatment and lifestyle modification (75% or more) compared to female patients. Young men demonstrated higher adherence to treatment compared to older men. The proportion of patients with treatment adherence was higher among working individuals compared to unemployed or retired. Men with permanent housing in the city demonstrated significantly better adherence to treatment and lifestyle modification compared to homeless people. Conclusion. The average levels of adherence to treatment, lifestyle modification, and medical support to TB patients were assessed as low. Considering extremely low values of adherence to treatment and lifestyle modification, somewhat higher preparedness to medical support, we believe that it is expedient to implement social and psychological support during the whole treatment course, as well as an awareness programme to develop patients’ understanding of the disease.