Determinants of Poor Adherence to Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment in Mumbai, India

Objectives: in this study, we investigated the determinants of poor adherence with anti-tuberculosis therapy among pulmonary tuberculosis (tb) patients in mumbai, india, receiving directly observed treatment short course (dots) therapy.methods: a cross-sectional study on 538 patients receiving dots i and ii regimen was conducted. patients were interviewed and clinical and laboratory data were collected. eighty seven patients were considered non-adherent. multivariable logistic regression was used to determine risk factors associated with non-adherence.results: factors associated with non-adherence were found to be different among the newly-diagnosed patients and all the other residual groups. smoking during treatment and travel-related cost factors were significantly associated with non-adherence in the newly-diagnosed patients, while alcohol consumption and shortage of drugs were signif-icant in the residual groups.conclusions: an approach, targeting easier access to drugs, an ensured drug supply, effective solutions for travel-related concerns and modification of smoking and alcohol related behaviors are essential for treatment adherence.