Impact of the Internet Plus Health Education Model on Treatment Adherence, Disease Knowledge and Patient Satisfaction in Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of an internet plus health education model on treatment adherence among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB).

METHODS: A total of 75 patients diagnosed with PTB and meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited from Beijing Chest Hospital between October and November 2024. Participants were randomly assigned to either the control group or the intervention group using a random number table The control group received conventional health education, whereas the intervention group received additional education via a WeChat mini programme. Treatment adherence was measured through outpatient follow-up cognitive assessments. Patients' knowledge of core PTB prevention and control concepts was evaluated using a standardised knowledge assessment questionnaire. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a self-developed satisfaction survey. After a 6-month intervention period, clinical parameters were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher treatment adherence (< 0.05). The mean disease knowledge scores were 66.05 &#xb1; 7.18 in the control group and 83.51 &#xb1; 8.15 in the intervention group, indicating a statistically significant difference between the two groups (< 0.05). The overall knowledge awareness rate in the intervention group (83.51%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (64.61%) (< 0.05). The satisfaction rate of patients in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (93% vs 100%) (< 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The internet plus health education model delivered via a WeChat mini programme can considerably improve treatment adherence, enhance disease knowledge and increase patient satisfaction among individuals with PTB. This model shows promise for broader application in tuberculosis wards.