Noncompliance of treatment among tuberculosis patients in intensive phase at Kalutara District of Sri Lanka

Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient disease and remains to be a public health problem all over the world. Noncompliance of treatment among TB patients affect the control of disease, leading to increased burden of the disease, mortality, drug resistant and relapse. Assessing the factors associated with noncompliance of TB treatment will be useful to reduce the noncompliance and burden. Objectives To assess the factors associated with noncompliance of treatment among TB patients in intensive phase at Kalutara District, Sri Lanka. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the new TB patients registered at District Chest Clinic (DCC), Kalutara for a period of six months. A questionnaire was administered for total study population registered during the data collection period. The relevant data were abstracted from registers and records maintaining at the DCC. Results Data were collected from 252 patients [males = 160 (63.5%) and females = 92 (36.5%)]. The percentage of noncompliance was 18.3% (n = 46) among newly diagnosed TB patients. Only 13.5% (n=34) of TB patients visited Directly Observed Treatment, short-course (DOTS) provider daily. Majority (61.9%, n=156) of DOTS providers did not observe for drug intake. The factors significantly associated with noncompliance for TB treatment were (1) not observing the drug intake by DOTS providers, (2) side effects of the drugs, (3) educational level, (4) living environment and (5) absent of a care giver. Conclusions Noncompliance of treatment is still a common problem among TB patients. Special emphasis should be made on TB patients based on the factors associated with the noncompliance of the treatment. DOTS providers should adhere to DOTS policy.