Impact of community participation on treatment outcomes and compliance of DOTS patients in Iraq

Abstract

We asessed the effect of community participation on treatment outcomes for tuberculosis patients undergoing directly-observed therapy, short course (DOTS). From February to December 2001 172 newly diagnosed patients in Baghdad were allocated into 2 treatment groups. The intervention group were visited daily at home for the 2-month initial phase by trained members of the Iraqi Women's Federation while the control group attended the local health centre for treatment. Cure rates for patients treated at home were significantly better than controls (83.7% versus 68.6%), so too was compliance (100.0% versus 14.0%). Smear conversion rates were significantly better in intervention cases compared with controls at all stages. Default rates were similar in both groups (11.6% versus 10.5%), as was mortality (1 patient each).