Comparison of treatment adherence among TB patients with and without COVID-19 in South India

Abstract

AimThe present study aimed to compare the adherence to anti-TB treatment among post-COVID-19 pulmonary TB cases and TB patients without a history of COVID-19 in South India. MethodsA prospective, cross sectional study was conducted in all drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in National TB Elimination Program. The research investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB management, considering both subjective and objective measures of adherence. Data were collected using a validated instrument for subjective assessment and urine metabolite testing for objective evaluation. ResultsThe results reveal significant differences (p < 0.05) between subjective and objective adherence measures, emphasizing the need for accurate and comprehensive assessment methods. However, there is no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in adherence to anti-TB treatment among post-COVID-19 pulmonary TB cases and TB patients without a history of COVID-19 in South India. The reason for non-adherence in both groups were ATT side effects, loss of daily wages, forgetting to take medication and lazy to take medications. ConclusionThe study concluded that there is no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in adherence to anti-TB treatment among post-COVID-19 pulmonary TB cases and TB patients without a history of COVID-19.