Adherence Parameters to Direct Observation Treatment Short-course (DOTS) Identified at Tuberculosis Treatment Centres of the South West Region, Cameroon

The implementation of Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) has been recommended by international tuberculosis authorities and has been shown to be effective in achieving a high successful treatment rate. Adherence to the strategy depends on education, socio-demographic characteristics and many other socio-cultural factors. The aim of this study was to identify factors that enhance adherence to DOTS for use by all treatment centres where applicable. Specifically, to link all socio-demographic parameters to adherence and sought deviant groups for better health education on adherence. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Diagnostic and Treatment Centers (DTCs) with default rate, deaths and transfer rates of more than 10% in 2012 treatment outcome at the study site. Tuberculosis (TB) patients diagnosed of Sputum Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis (SPPTB) participated in the study. Out of a total of 310 participants that took part in the study, a mean age of 39 years (± 10.8) registered. Majority of the participants 161(51.9%) were female. There was no statistical significance between adherence and socio-demographic factors but for age that showed a weak positive correlation. This means that persons at certain ages respond better to DOTS than other ages. The adherent age group could be used as educators to other age groups if health worker education needs to be complimented for better DOTS adherence.