A Study of Factors Affecting Treatment Compliance among Tuberculosis Patients Visiting Tertiary Care Hospital Bahawalpur

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis is a leading cause of mortality, particularly in lower-middle-income countries like Pakistan. The adherence to treatment is crucial for its effectiveness. Various factors affect treatment compliance among tuberculosis patients including knowledge, monthly income, level of education, side effects of medications, treatment duration, social support. However, treatment compliance can be improved by developing effective strategies.Objective: To determine various factors that affect treatment compliance among tuberculosis patients of Pulmonology ward and outpatient department, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during May -September 2024 in pulmonology ward and OPD, BVH, Bahawalpur. The sample size 162, calculated by using Raosoft sample size calculator was recruited by Non-probability convenient sampling. The data was collected through a preformed questionnaire having three sections including questions regarding demographic details and the status of patient’s compliance to the treatment and different factors that affect treatment compliance. The data was analyzed using SPSS software, version 26. Chi square test of significance was applied.Results: Out of the sample of 162 respondents, 34.3% were illiterate and 27.1% had received primary education. About 39.8% had monthly income of >40k, 38% had 20-40k and 22.3% had less than 20k. About 82.5% patients were taking their TB medication regularly while 15.7% were noncompliant. Whereas 58% patients were convinced that anti-TB drugs had serious adverse effects while 42% patients negated it.Conclusion: Patients with higher level of education and greater family support tend to follow their treatment better. Factors like good socioeconomic status and gender did not show a statistically significant relationship with treatment compliance. However, social stigma present challenges to treatment compliance. Addressing these issues through education, family involvement, and better management of social stigma can improve treatment outcomes.