Associated factors of medication non-adherence for tuberculosis in Moroccan patients

Aim: In Morocco, tuberculosis is endemic and therapeutic adherence remains unsatisfactory. The objective of our study is to describe the factors influencing therapeutic adherence in tuberculosis patients in Morocco. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 98 patients were recruited at the Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Diseases (CDTMR) of Beni Mellal, Morocco. Data were collected through face-to-face interview using a pre-structured questionnaire and analyzed with a binary regression model to highlight factors that may lead to poor adherence. Results: Our results showed that 46.9% of the patients had good adherence and 53.1% had poor adherence. In addition, binary regression analysis showed that four factors significantly influenced the break in the continuity of treatment, namely: the communication problems with the healthcare staff, the means of transport used to reach the Health Center, stock-outs of anti-tuberculosis drugs, and the frequent closures of the Health Center. Discussion: In Morocco, therapeutic adherence remains a major challenge in the care of tuberculosis patients. Monitoring programs and patient education are needed to end the major barriers to adherence. In addition, the restructuring of the health establishments to improve proximity and accessibility, and the continuous supply of drugs could help to good therapeutic compliance.