Assessment of tuberculosis treatment completion in an ethnically diverse population using two data sources. Implications for treatment interventions.

Many adolescents who are prescribed therapy for tuberculosis (TB) infection fail to complete it. This article presents the results of a demographic and epidemiological assessment of TB treatment completion in adolescent populations using (a) surveillance data from the Los Angeles Health County Department and (b) a prospective/retrospective medical chart review from targeted clinics. Patients who did not complete the 6-month recommended medical treatment for latent tuberculosis therapy (LTBI) averaged 13 weeks in care. Younger age (OR = 1.15; 95% CI 1.03-1.29), birth in the United States (OR = 1.92; 95% CI 1.14-3.22, compared to Mexico), and Asian ethnicity were associated with completion of care. In multiple logistic regression analysis, age (OR = .88; 95% CI .78-.98) and Latino ethnicity (OR = .53; 95% CI .29-.95) remained significant predictors of completion of treatment. These findings indicate the need for age-specific educational reinforcement and cultural differentials in completing care for LTBI.