S J Heymann1, R Sell, T F Brewer. 1. Department of Health and Social Behavior, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study examined how patient acceptability influences the effectiveness of directly observed therapy for tuberculosis. METHODS: Decision and sensitivity analyses were used in assessing influences. RESULTS: If mandatory directly observed therapy discourages 6% of initial tuberculosis patients (range: 4% to 10%) from seeking care, then such therapy will be less effective than self-administered therapy. Directly observed therapy is more effective than repeated self-administered therapy for patients failing to complete initial treatment unless 32% (range: 27% to 38%) of patients avoid seeking care. CONCLUSIONS: Patient acceptability must be taken into consideration before selecting public health strategies.
OBJECTIVES: This study examined how patient acceptability influences the effectiveness of directly observed therapy for tuberculosis. METHODS: Decision and sensitivity analyses were used in assessing influences. RESULTS: If mandatory directly observed therapy discourages 6% of initial tuberculosispatients (range: 4% to 10%) from seeking care, then such therapy will be less effective than self-administered therapy. Directly observed therapy is more effective than repeated self-administered therapy for patients failing to complete initial treatment unless 32% (range: 27% to 38%) of patients avoid seeking care. CONCLUSIONS:Patient acceptability must be taken into consideration before selecting public health strategies.
Authors: M A Fischl; G L Daikos; R B Uttamchandani; R B Poblete; J N Moreno; R R Reyes; A M Boota; L M Thompson; T J Cleary; S A Oldham Journal: Ann Intern Med Date: 1992-08-01 Impact factor: 25.391