Predicting Non-Completion of Treatment for Latent Tuberculous Infection

Abstract

Patients assess LTBI treatment risks and inconveniences relative to low perceived benefits at treatment outset. Predictors of LTBI treatment non-completion are identifiable at the first visit. Targeting TB high-risk individuals, minimizing inconveniences, further education, and use of diagnostic tests with improved specificity for TB may address these concerns.

Management of latent tuberculous infection in Norway in 2009: a descriptive cross-sectional study

“…Other studies have shown completion rates of between 29% and 81%. 23,24 Akolo et al concluded that DOT had no positive effects on completion of preventive therapy compared with self-administration, and suggested the development of programmes providing patients with support and motivation. 22 A review article by Hirsch-Moverman et al in 2008 suggests that there is a need for systematic studies investigating the type of approach that can best improve patient adherence and improve completion rates.…”

Tuberculosis: evidence review for newly arriving immigrants and refugees

“…They include linguistic barriers, cultural taboos and stigmatization, low education level, perceived low risk of progressing from latent tuberculosis infection to active disease, belief that positive results from tuberculin skin tests are due to BCG, not wanting to have venipunctures, and economic factors (costs of travel, lack of insurance, delays in obtaining insurance, missed days at work). 134,136,[140][141][142] Increased adherence to tuberculin skin test screening has been seen with patient reminders (e.g., letters, phone calls), education of patients and physicians, and novel strategies, such as drive-by tuberculin skin test readings for taxi drivers. 137,139,143 One study educating primary care providers on how and whom to screen for tuberculosis not only increased screening and identification of people with latent tuberculosis, but also increased identification of those with active tuberculosis.…”

Evaluation of Treatment Indications, Tuberculin Skin Test, and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Vaccination Scars in the Cases of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Treatment

“…Shieh et al [25] showed that of 217 patients, 90% were of foreign origin, and 28.6% of these completed the therapy under a usual clinic. A prospective study showed that only 53% of patients completed the therapy [26].…”