[Factors in quitting antituberculous treatment in Bamako (Mali)].

This is a descriptive study of 33 cases with recurrent tuberculosis in patients who abandoned their treatment, admitted between March and October 1991 in the Pulmonary Tuberculosis Service of the Hospital Point G. The aim of the study was to identify the reasons for stopping treatment and to propose corrective measures. One third of the patients registered in the study were agricultural workers. Sixteen per cent of those who stopped treatment did so in the first four months of treatment. The duration and the nature of the therapeutic regime had no influence on the attendance of the patients: 42% received a standard regime for twelve months and 45% a short regime for eight months. We thought that the poor motivation of the health personnel to counsel the patients correctly was the principal factor in influencing their attendance. Sixty seven per cent did not know the nature of their disease. The distance factor between home and the place of treatment was another important point which should be improved. Concrete proposals were made to improve the supervision and follow up of tuberculous patients.