Risk Factors Associated with Default among New Smear Positive TB Patients Treated Under DOTS in India

Authors: Sophia Vijay, Prahlad Kumar, Lakbir Singh Chauhan, Balasangameshwara Hanumanthappa Vollepore, Unnikrishnan Pallikkara Kizhakkethil, Sumathi Govinda Rao

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010043

Abstract Summary

Study of 687 TB patients in India identifies key predictors of treatment default: alcoholism, illiteracy, inadequate TB knowledge, poor provider interaction, lack of health staff support, missed doses, and drug side effects. Crucially, most risk factors are treatment and provider-related—meaning they’re modifiable through targeted interventions to improve TB program outcomes.

Why Brain? 🧠

Study identifies key predictors of TB treatment default in India, finding most risk factors are modifiable through better patient education, provider support, and service quality improvements.

License: CC BY.

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