SResearch on risk factors for cessation of treatment by patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, 2013

6 Nov 2013

With the support of tuberculosis prevention center and  by the URC financing, Institute of social studies and analysis conducted a research that aimed to study the risk factors for termination of treatment by patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis

Objectives of the research were:

• Reveal the risk factors for termination of treatment by patients with multi-drug resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis
• Identify long-term results of treatment termination in Georgia

To improve TB control, which will facilitate the more effective functioning of DOTS and DOTS-Plus strategies and reduce public health risks in terms of spreading infections in society (which is mainly due to the cessation of treatment).

 The research was conducted using both qualitative (group discussions) and quantitative (study) methods.

 2 group discussions were conducted (in Tbilisi) in total within the qualitative research that aimed to:

• M/XDR TB program evaluation by experts in Georgia;
• Identify valuable research indicators which became the basis for the preparation of a questionnaire;
• Identify the final analytical report findings.

An ISSA analyst developed a research tool (guideline). There was video/audio recording of the group discussions and the received material was encrypted and analyzed.

In the framework of quantitative research, face-to-face interview method was used. The study was reviewed and approved by the URC and the Ethics Commission of the National Center for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases.

The target group of research was M / XDR TB patients with laboratory-confirmed the diagnosis, who ceased treatment for 2 or more months and involved in individual treatment regime through any center of tuberculosis throughout Georgia) in years 2008-2013. The greatest difficulty of the study was the protection of confidentiality and provide "openness" of respondents in relation to sensitive issues. Informed consent forms were used to prevent this difficulty;

The sampling frame was the official data of the National Center for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases. Patients data were obtained by medical records of all MDR / XDR patients - M / XDR TB patients with laboratory-diagnosed diagnoses with whom individual treatment regime was initiated (ITR) at the National Tuberculosis Centers across Georgia.

Overall, 163 respondents were interviewed within the survey.