The Relationship Between Antituberculosis Drug Adherence and Treatment Success Among Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and remains a major public health challenge. Successful TB treatment largely depends on patients’ adherence to antituberculosis drug (ATD) regimens, including the prescribed dosage, schedule, and duration. However, prolonged treatment, adverse drug effects, limited patient understanding, and inadequate support during therapy may contribute to non-adherence. These factors may increase the risk of treatment failure and disease recurrence, highlighting the importance of monitoring treatment adherence as part of TB control efforts. Objective: To analyze the relationship between antituberculosis drug adherence and treatment success among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis at Tanjung Morawa Community Health Center. Methods: This study employed a quantitative approach with an analytical observational design and a cross-sectional method. Total sampling was used to recruit 18 patients who met the study criteria. Adherence data were collected using a questionnaire, while treatment outcome data were obtained from health center records. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed using the Chi-square test, with a significance level of 5%. Results: Twelve respondents (66.7%) were classified as non-adherent to ATD treatment, whereas six (33.3%) were classified as adherent. Eleven respondents (61.1%) were categorized as having unsuccessful treatment outcomes, while seven (38.9%) were categorized as successful. Missing medication doses was the most frequently reported form of non-adherence (38.9%), while nausea or vomiting was the most commonly reported complaint (44.4%). Bivariate analysis indicated a statistically significant relationship between ATD adherence and treatment success (p = 0.013). Conclusion: Antituberculosis drug adherence was significantly associated with treatment success among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Strengthening pharmaceutical counseling, providing education on potential adverse effects, and monitoring medication adherence are important strategies to support successful treatment outcomes.