Risk factors associated with default from multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment South Africa, 1999-2001

Timothy H. Holtz, J. Lancaster, K. F. Laserson, C. D. Wells, L. Thorpe, K. Weyer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

SETTING: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment centers in five provinces, South Africa. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the mortality and evaluate risk factors associated with default from MDR-TB treatment. DESIGN: Using registries and a standardized questionnaire, we conducted a case-control study among patients diagnosed and treated for MDR-TB. Cases were defined as patients who began MDR-TB treatment between 1 October 1999 and 30 September 2001 and defaulted from treatment for more than 2 months; controls were defined as patients who began MDR-TB treatment during the same time and were cured, completed or failed. RESULTS: After initial identification and reclassification, 269 cases and 401 controls were confirmed eligible for interview. Further investigation revealed that 74 (27%) cases and 44 (10%) controls had died. Among 96 cases located who consented and were interviewed, 70% had defaulted after receiving at least 6 months of treatment. In a multivariate model, the strongest individual risk factors for default included reporting smoking marijuana or mandrax during treatment, and having an unsatisfactory opinion about the attitude of health care workers. CONCLUSION: Mortality among MDR-TB defaulters was high. Interventions to reduce default from MDR-TB treatment should center on substance abuse treatment, patient education and support and improving provider-patient relationships.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)649-655
Number of pages7
JournalInternational Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
Volume10
Issue number6
StatePublished - Jun 2006

Keywords

  • Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
  • South Africa
  • Treatment default
  • Tuberculosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Risk factors associated with default from multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment South Africa, 1999-2001'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this