Latent Profile Analysis and Influencing Factors of Medication-Related Burden in Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in Chengdu, China

Objective: The treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is characterized by a prolonged duration and complex medication regimens, often resulting in a substantial medication-related burden that negatively impacts patients’ adherence and quality of life. However, research on the heterogeneity of medication-related burden among MDR-TB patients and its influencing factors remains limited. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of medication-related burden among MDR-TB patients and examine differences in burden characteristics across these profiles, thereby providing evidence for tailored intervention strategies. Methods: A convenience sampling method was employed to recruit MDR-TB patients diagnosed at a tertiary infectious disease hospital in Chengdu between December 2024 and May 2025. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Living with Medicines Questionnaire (LMQ), and the Health Literacy Management Scale (HeLMS). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify distinct profiles of medication-related burden, and multivariate logistic regression was used to explore associated factors for each profile. Results: A total of 214 valid responses were analyzed. The LPA identified two distinct profiles of medication-related burden: C1 – “Low-Burden (Attitude & Practice-Dominated)” (44%) and C2 – “High-Burden (Daily Interference-Dominated)” (56%). Absence of side effects, not employing a caregiver, and higher levels of health literacy were positively associated with membership in the C1 group ( P < 0.05). In contrast, higher educational attainment, longer distance from the treatment center, and prolonged medication duration were negatively associated, increasing the likelihood of being classified in the C2 group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Medication-related burden among MDR-TB patients exhibits clear heterogeneity. Healthcare professionals should adopt stratified management and personalized interventions based on the identified influencing factors to alleviate the burden of medication in this population. Keywords: multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, medication-related burden, latent profile analysis