An integrated review of directly observed therapy for tuberculosis in Latin America.

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be one of the main causes of death in adults globally. Failure to complete TB treatment can lead to treatment-resistant TB and continued transmission of the infection. Directly observed therapy (DOT) is the treatment recommended by the World Health Organization. This article sought to synthesize DOT data to identify important variables in DOT research, including original research studies conducted in a Latin American country on pulmonary TB. Medication supervisors included family members or health professionals who provided support, education, and counseling. Age, past treatment, drug abuse, and housing in poor neighborhoods were negatively correlated to DOT adherence. Community-based DOT programs were more successful than clinic-based programs. Cost and convenience of DOT treatment seem to be barriers to treatment completion. TB rates have fallen since the inception of DOT, but studies have not shown a significant difference between DOT and self-administered therapy.