Effect of health education on treatment adherence among drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in selected DOTS facilities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Adherence to Tuberculosis (TB) therapy is critical to achieving a cure. Effective patient education could influence treatment-related attitudes and behaviors, thereby enhancing therapeutic compliance and optimal health outcomes. Aim: To assess the effect of health education on treatment adherence among drug-sensitive pulmonary TB patients in ten DOTS facilities in Ebonyi State. Method: A quasi-experimental design was employed to recruit 248 respondents drawn from a population of 487 patients using a multi-stage sampling approach. The intervention and control groups consisted of 129 and 119 respondents, respectively, with the intervention group receiving a two-month health education package and the WHO standard routine care, while the control group received only the WHO standard routine care. A validated questionnaire was administered to the respondents before and after the intervention. Result: The intervention group achieved 99.2% TB knowledge, 97.7% attitude, and 88.3% treatment adherence after the intervention. However, the control group showed 83.2%, 73.9%, and 68.1% for knowledge, attitude, and treatment adherence, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between sex and level of treatment adherence in the intervention group, with females showing higher adherence (p<0.049). Conclusion: The study showed that regular health education improves patients’ knowledge, attitude, and adherence to TB treatment.