Adesão à terapêutica da tuberculose em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul: na perspectiva do paciente

Abstract

This study deals with adherence to tuberculosis treatment among men and women as well as the disease's links and consequences vis-à-vis life styles and treatment outcomes. The ethnographic study was a component of the Tuberculosis Epidemiological Control Project in the city of Pelotas and aimed to identify the reasons patients failed to complete treatment. Direct ethnographic observations and semi-structured interviews were used. Use of the term "adherence" is justified by the concern for extending to other fundamental factors in addition to the patient's own individual responsibility. This approach fostered an understanding of views towards disease, social dynamics among the various protagonists involved in the disease process, and treatment. Some of the factors considered in adherence to treatment were: socio-demographic characteristics, cultural factors, popular beliefs, the cost-benefit relationship, physical and chemical aspects of the drugs, the physician-patient relationship, and level of family participation in treatment.

O abandono do tratamento da tuberculose sob a perspectiva dos gerentes de diferentes centros de saúde de Belo Horizonte-MG, Brasil

“…Different studies appoint that drinking is one of the main treatment abandonment factors, as well as drugs use. 5,[9][10][11][12][13][26][27][28] Another factor mentioned was the action of medication side effects and the improvement after the start of treatment: 'I'm gonna throw up The patients' feeling of wellbeing after the initial treatment phase and the occurrence of medi-cation side effects have also been one of the most appointed reasons for abandonment. 5,[12][13]21,26,29 One manager's report is interesting, mentioning that, after explaining that improvement does not mean cure, the patient returned to the treatment, again revealing the importance of the professional's relation with the patient.…”

Risk-factors for non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy

“…There is, however, an increasing inclination to consider socioeconomic condition (as assessed through income, level of education, job and housing conditions) as having a poor predictive power, except in cases of extreme poverty 9,14 . For instance, the study conducted in several Brazilian states found an association between a very low educational level and non-adherence 25 .…”

Raising hypertensive patients' consciousness about treatment compliance

“…Thus, in the beginning, they try to follow it strictly. They try to change their eating habits, get used to exercising, (12)(13)(14)(15) . Patients adapt the treatment to their social habits, and when it conflicts with their individual welfare, they allow for certain indulgences in order to minimize the impact of these strict standards and rules.…”