Assessing the role of family support on non adherence to TB treatment by patients in Mulago hospital TB clinic

Abstract

Background: Drug resistance among tuberculosis patients in sub-Saharan Africa is increasing mainly due to poor adherence to TB treatment despite various interventions aimed at improving treatment completion. Family support is among other factors that hinder adherence to TB treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the association between family support and non adherence to TB treatment among patients at Mulago Hospital, Kampala District. Methodology: In this cross sectional study, quantitative methods of data collection were used among 289 TB patients who were receiving treatment from Mulago TB clinic. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who were non adherent to TB therapy determined by self-reporting/patient recall. Predictor variables included socio-demographic variables, family support, having experienced side effects to drugs and having running out of anti-TB drugs. Logistic regression was used to determine the independent correlates of non-adherence. Results: Of 289, 71(24.6%) were non-adherent to TB therapy and 107 (37%) had functional family support. Non-adherence to TB therapy was associated with being married (Adj.OR = 0.44 95% C.I = 0.21-0.95), functional family support (AOR = 0.45 95% C.I = 0.24-0.82), running out of drugs (AOR = 7.52 95% C.I = 2.67-21.21) and experiencing of drug side effects (AOR = 4.12, 95% C.I = 1.34-12.66). Conclusions: Patients‘ non adherence to their medication regimens is influenced by the interaction of a number of factors, family support being one of them. The findings of this research could help inform the development of patient-centred interventions to address structural barriers to treatment adherence.