Individual and Social Vulnerability in Adherence to Tuberculosis Treatment: a Descriptive Study

Abstract

Aim: to verify aspects of individual and social vulnerability related to the diagnosis and to the potential adherence to tuberculosis treatment. Method: descriptive, cross-sectional study with 39 patients with tuberculosis under treatment in a municipality in the Brazilian Northeast in 2015. Results: lower potential for adherence was evidenced by unfavorable answers to the questions: impact of tuberculosis on work and conception about the causality of the health-disease process. Diagnosis established over a period of more than 30 days, lack of support for treatment at work, negative reaction to diagnosis, negative impact on life and lack of family support were aspects that could increase vulnerability to non-adherence. Discussion: the success of the treatment depends on the complexity of each case, taking into account the family, professional and social environments. The intersectoriality of actions aims to find facilitators in the resolution of this problem.