What are the reasons for patients not adhering to their anti-TB treatment in a South African district hospital?

Abstract

Introduction: TB is a major health problem in South Africa, with increasing numbers of patients notified, inadequate successful treatment rates and an emerging problem with resistant strains. This study was conducted at a District Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal where the successful treatment rate was as low as 23%. The aim of this study was to identify key factors at the hospital that may affect adherence to TB treatment and to recommend interventions that could improve adherence.