Publication:

A cross sectional study on factors influencing non-adherence to treatment among paediatric tuberculosis patients in field practice area of Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad

Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains to be a major burden in India. Treatment adherence is a key factor in the outcome of therapy. Non-adherence may also result in acquired drug resistance. This study has been one of the very few research endeavours to identify factors associated with non-adherence to TB treatment among paediatric patients in Hyderabad. The objectives are to determine the factors influencing non-adherence to treatment among paediatric TB patients and to study the role of sociodemographic factors in non-adherence to treatment.

Methods A cross sectional study was conducted between June 2021 to September 2021 among paediatric TB patients ≤18 years old who were on anti-TB treatment in field practice area of Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad. By using convenient sampling method, a sample size of 150 has been taken. Data was collected using a pretested semi structured questionnaire. Data was entered into Microsoft excel and analysed using Epi Info version 7.2.2.6 and frequencies, proportions, and Chi square tests used.

Results Among the 150 paediatric TB patients, majority 56.2% of the patients belong to male gender. Non-adherent to anti-tuberculosis treatment were 18%. In this, 10% belongs to younger age (<5 years), 4% females, 14% males, 13.3% rural residence, 4.7% urban residency, 14% were having side effects. The presence of side effects to anti-tubercular is the main influencing factors for non-adherence to treatment.

Conclusions The identification of various factors could help in increasing the knowledge about TB and in taking measures to cope-up with side effects to anti-tubercular medications which is required to improve treatment adherence.