Estratégias educativas para a redução do abandono do tratamento da Tuberculose em ambiente não formal de ensino

We carried out a qualitative-quantitative approach to develop educational strategies involving patients with tuberculosis and their relatives attended at the Rinaldo de Lamare Family Clinic in Rocinha, a site with a high incidence of the disease. The goal was to contribute to increase adherence to treatment of tuberculosis. Participants answered questionnaires about knowledge, attitudes and practices and about clinical and epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis. They also participated in an interview, a conversation and talking circles about the disease and its treatment. The study consisted of 81 people (65 patients with tuberculosis and 16 relatives). The epidemiological profile of the patients was composed of 64% men, with a mean age of 32 years and < 9 years schooling (42%). For our study sample, in 59% of the cases the family and friends were the main source of information about tuberculosis. Weight loss was the most frequent symptom cited (84%). Fifty-three percent of the participants considered themselves well informed about the disease, 91% would like to receive more information. Of the patients, 44% felt fear when they knew they had tuberculosis, 69% did not know how they got it and 78% did not know the risk to those who stop treatment. 13 discussion groups were organized with 22 participants, discussing clinical aspects and treatment of tuberculosis, as well as dialogue on doubts, fears and stigmas related to the disease Among the 65 patients, 21 were cured (32%), 33 completed treatment (51%), one died (2%), two abandoned treatment (3%) and eight (12%) were transferred from unity. Given that at the beginning of treatment 34% expressed a desire to stop it and that the World Health Organization's goal of dropping treatment is less than 5%, we consider that our results with only 3% of abandonment were promising. At the same time, researchers from the health, education, communication and also community health agents evaluated leaflets and information on tuberculosis through a tab for evaluation of printed material in health of the Pan American Health Organization. Based on the results obtained in the research, we elaborated a calendar and an informative, emphasizing the treatment of tuberculosis. To the final texts we applied a readability test that evaluated the calendar as great and the informative at the same level of comics. They were also evaluated by patients and their families through the evaluation form of printed materials previously used, both of which were considered ready for use. Our results indicate that the low knowledge observed in the study sample on tuberculosis and its treatment can be a cause of delay in the search for medical care and abandonment of treatment of the disease. We understand that educational initiatives in tuberculosis, involving patients and their families, should be implemented in the initial stages of the treatment of the disease in the basic health units, in order to favor adherence to treatment, prevention of disease and health promotion.