Abstract
Background: To assess the impact of a program for homeless patients with tuberculosis in Iasi, Romania, on treatment adherence and outcomes.
Methods: Adherence and treatment outcomes were analyzed in homeless patients with tuberculosis in Iasi, Romania, who participated in 2011 in a charity project that offered regular anti tuberculosis treatment together with free food and cloths at a central shelter. WHO recommendations on tuberculosis case definition and treatment results were used. Adherence to treatment and treatment outcomes in these patients were compared with those in homeless tuberculosis patients registered in Iasi between 1998 and 2005 when incentives were not provided.
Results: In 2011, 17 homeless (11 male, 6 female, median age 45 years) with tuberculosis were included in the project following discharge from the hospital. Of 12/17 patients who had completed the treatment at the time of analysis, cumulative adherence to treatment was 1282/1316 (97.4%) doses provided. Of 82 homeless patients with tuberculosis treated in the years 1998 to 2005 (72 male, 10 female, median age 43 years), cumulative adherence to treatment was 5837/10692 (54.4%) doses provided (p<0.001). Treatment success in 2011 was 70.5% compared to 26.8% in 1995-2005 (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Adherence to anti tuberculosis treatment and treatment success significantly improved when food and cloths were offered to homeless patients with tuberculosis on a regular basis at the treatment dispensary.
Acknowledgement: The project for Homeless TB Patients in Iasi, Romania is supported by the Rotary Clubs of Bad Oldesloe, Germany, Henley-Bridge, UK and Iasi, Romania and the Metropolitan Church of Iasi.
- © 2012 ERS
