Completion rates of treatment for latent tuberculosis infection in Quebec, Canada from 2006 to 2010.
Canadian Journal of Public Health 2013;
104:e235-9. [PMID:
23823888 DOI:
10.17269/cjph.104.3643]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 01/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) in high-risk populations has been identified as a priority activity for reducing TB incidence. Treatment completion rates are usually far from the 80% target. The objective of this study was to evaluate the proportion of individuals who obtained enough medication for standard LTBI treatment.
METHODS
Using the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec database, we extracted data on all prescriptions filled as part of the free anti-tuberculosis medication program. We calculated the proportion of patients who had obtained at least 270 doses among patients who had started treatment with isoniazid (INH), and the proportion of patients who had obtained at least 120 doses among patients who had started treatment with rifampin (RMP).
RESULTS
Among the 2,895 patients who had started INH, 907 (31.3%) obtained at least 270 doses. Among the 373 patients who had started RMP, 242 (64.9%) obtained at least 120 doses. Women were more likely to stop INH treatment before acquiring 270 doses of the medication than men (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.17).
CONCLUSION
Only 31.3% of patients who started treatment with INH had procured at least 270 doses. Completion rates are far below target values.
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