Patients’ adherence to anti-tuberculosis medicines and associated factors for non-adherence at a tertiary teaching hospital, South West Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis is the global problem, which may infect one third of the world population annually. A major contributor for the re-emergence of TB is lack of adherence to anti-TB drugs. Non-adherence to anti-TB treatment is the persistent problem throughout the world, including the developing and developed countries. The main objective of this study was to determine the rate of non-adherence to anti-TB treatment and associated factors for non-adherence among TB patients in Jimma University Specialized Hospital. Materials and Methods: Prospective cross sectional study was conducted in TB clinic of Jimma University Specialized Hospital using pretested structured questionnaire from February 10, 2013, to February 20, 2013 Results: From a total of 67 patients interviewed during the study period, majority of them (83.58%) were between 18-40 years. About 88% of patients were adherent to their medication and the rest missed doses at least once during the course of their treatment. The main reasons for non-adherence were lack of family support (37.50%) and far distance from hospital (25%). Less education and HIV positive have association with non-adherence (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Generally the adherence to anti-TB treatment among TB patients in Jimma University Specialized Hospital was good, even though some patients were missing their treatments.