The Medication Adherence and the Conversion of Acid Fast Bacilli of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients : A Retrospective Cohort Study in the Centre for Pulmonary Health Semarang

Abstract

Background : Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant health problem in Indonesia. Anindicator to Monitor and to evaluate TB program is the smear conversion rate. Aim : To analyze the association between medication adherence and conversion of acid fast bacillus of pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Method : This was a cohort study with retrospective design. Study cubject was 66 pulmonary tuberculosis patients, which was selected by pusposive sampling technique. Diagnose of pulmonary tuberculosis was established by positive acid fast bacilli (positive smear) in the Centre for Pulmonary Health Semarang. The subject was divided into exposed (non-adherence) and unexposed (adherence) groups. The data was analyzed bychi square test. Results : The result of the study showed that the percentage of male and female respondents was similar. Most subjects were >45 years old (33.3%). Active drug supervisors (43.9%) were less than the passive ones (56.1%). Statistical analysis showed conversion rate was related to medication adherence (p=0.011, RR=4.712, 95%). Conclusion : It can be concluded that the medication adherence is significantly related to smear conversion in patients with smear-positive pulmonary TB in the Centre for Pulmonary Health of Semarang. It is suggested to provide health education to patients to increase the medication adherence using a variety of medias. Drug supervisors should use medication control cards to ensure the adherence.