Factors Influencing Tuberculosis Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (Tb Dots) Compliance in Jolo Through the Theoretical Lens of the Health Belief Model

This study set out to explain the treatment compliance among the TB DOTS clients in Jolo, Sulu. It used the six (6) constructs of the Health Belief Model, namely perceived susceptibility and severity of the TB disease, perceived benefits and barriers to the TB DOTS program, cues to action and self-efficacy to determine the health beliefs and behavior of the respondents. There were 141 selected respondents; 111 of whom were classified as compliant to the treatment and 30 as non-compliant. The clients individually completed the survey instrument in a face-to-face interview. Investigation of the summary of responses gathered from the study revealed a complete separation between the compliant and non-compliant respondents in the areas of perceived barrier and self-efficacy, deeming both perfect predictors of treatment compliance. Multivariate logistic regression found cue to action as another significant predictor, with the local health givers having the greatest impact on treatment compliance. Clients who were confident of completing the program were more likely to comply.