Factors Affecting Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome Among Newly Diagnosed Tuberculosis Patients – A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Introduction: In the year 2017, an estimated 10 million new tuberculosis cases (active TB) worldwide were reported. India is the highest TB burden country in the world in terms of absolute number of incident cases that occur each year. According to WHO, the estimated incident cases of TB in India was approximately 28, 00,000 (211/lakh) which accounted for one fourth of the estimated global incident TB cases in 2017. Tuberculosis disease epidemiology is closely related to social and economic conditions which make its prevention, control and cure challenging. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment will help to prevent various tuberculosis related morbidities but due to various factors the management becomes difficult. Factors such as adverse effects of drugs, transportation cost, family support, distance to the treatment centre, personal habits, co morbid conditions, and patients’ multiple obligations concerning to their employment, family and society have an impact on the treatment outcomes. Objective: To know the factors affecting tuberculosis treatment outcome among newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients.