Quality of DOTS Adherence Counselling among Hospitalized Tuberculosis Patients ()
1. Introduction
The burden of drug resistant tuberculosis is a major global public health concern affecting 117 countries [1] [2] . In 2015, the World Health Organisation (WHO), reported 480,000 new cases of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB, i.e. to tuberculosis resistant to two key first line drugs, isoniazid and rifampicin) and 100,000 cases of rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB), which led to 250,000 deaths world-wide [3] . Namibia is a high TB burden country and the country notified 137 new cases of MDR-TB and 199 cases of RR-TB in 2014 [4] [5] . The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) of Namibia estimates the cost for treating a case of MDR-TB at $5100 compared to $100 for a patient with drug susceptible TB (DS-TB) [5] . This is a concern for most resource-limited countries in sub-Saharan Africa whose health budgets are constrained by the double burden of HIV [5] [6] .
Nevertheless, in 1996 the Government of Namibia implemented WHO’s DOTS (direct observed treatment short-course) strategy at all the public health facilities [5] [7] [8] . The DOTS programme included observation of administration of standardized short-course TB medicines under direct and supportive observation [9] [10] . However, the global scale up of DOTS is coincided with an increase in the incidence of MDR-TB [11] [12] . Non-adherence to treatment among TB cases with drug susceptible TB is a major risk factor for the development of DR-TB which extremely difficult and expensive to treat [12] [13] [14] . Treatment of MDR-TB is associated with a long treatment period of up-to 18 months, poor adherence rates and outcomes [15] [16] [17] . Moreover, the lack of adherence counselling as well as emotional and psychosocial support to TB patients and their families is linked to poor treatment outcomes including loss to follow-up and development of DR-TB [5] [18] [19] . The occurrence of adverse drug effects is more common among patients medication for DR-TB and DS-TB, which compromises adherence to medication [18] [20] [21] [22] . Thus, the World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies improved quality of adherence counselling as a key intervention under DOTS to improve medication adherence and TB treatment of outcomes [23] [24] . Indeed, a study among prisoners, showed that adherence counselling improved treatment completion from 12% to 24% [25] [26] .
Consequently, the aim of this study was to determine the quality of adherence counselling among hospitalized TB patients with MDR-TB and DS-TB to provide policy guidance on strengthening DOTS programmes and improve outcomes.
2. Methods and Materials
2.1. Study Design and Population
A hospital based crossectional analytical study design used quantitative methods of data collection to determine the quality of adherence counselling among cases of MDR-TB and DS-TB receiving care at Katutura State Hospital, the national referral TB hospital for Namibia. The target population comprise hospitalized patients treated for DR-TB (Drug-resistant Tuberculosis) and DS-TB (Drug-susceptible Tuberculosis). The study included all the 25 DR-TB patients admitted at the hospital at the time of the study (i.e. April to June 2018). Subsequently, a sample of 25 patients hospitalized with DS-TB were selected using simple randomly sampling. The determination of the sample size was informed by the maximum bed-capacity for DR-TB cases (i.e. 25 beds) and the acquisition of a written informed consent to participate in the study. The study excluded all patients at the private health facilities as well as those at any public health facility that is not Katutura State Hospital.
2.2. Data Collection Procedure
The data on quality of adherence counselling was collected MDR-TB and DS-TB patients using interviewer-administered questionnaires (Annexure B) that consisted of 26 questions. The tool was piloted on 5 patients with DR-TB and standardized as well as translated in local two languages, Oshiwambo and Afrikaans, during the interviews by the researcher (TS). The data were subsequently entered in Epidata v3.1 for management (checked thoroughly for completion and errors and then stored securely).
2.3. Data Analysis
The main outcome variables were the level of perceived quality of adherence counselling (i.e. satisfaction with counselling, comprehensiveness, time spent on counselling and the frequency) and associated factors (i.e. patient and health system related factors). Quantitative data were exported to SPSS v 23 for quantitative analysis. The quality of adherence counselling was measured based on indicators (i.e. timing, duration, frequency and satisfaction) as well as patient awareness of good DOT adherence counselling and practices, patient-related factors and hospital-related factors that affect the quality of DOTS Adherence counselling. The factors associated with the quality of DOT adherence counselling were analysed using descriptive statistics and an association was made using chi-squared and t-test. The level of significance for both tests was set at 95% confidence interval with a level of alpha at 0.5.
2.4. Ethical Considerations
Ethical clearance was obtained from the research and ethics review board (REC) of the Ministry of Health and Social Services as well as from the Katutura Intermediate Hospital. In addition, each patient freely volunteered to participate in the study and the patients were given a written and verbal detailed explanation of the study (Annexure A). Patient confidentiality was upheld at all times and patient indicators and private details such as their names were not disclosed.
3. Results
3.1. Socio-Demographic Characteristics of the Patients
Fifty tuberculosis patients participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 63% (50/80). Of the 50 participants, 60% (n = 30) were male and 77% were aged 45 years or younger. Majority of the participants (66%) had attained at least a secondary education. The number of respondents with multi-drug resistant TB (MDR, n = 25) was equal to those with drug-susceptible TB (DST-TB) patients (Table 1). There were no significant differences between the sociodemographic characteristics of patients with MDR and drug susceptible tuberculosis (p > 0.05) (Table 1).
3.2. Patient Practices and Perceptions on the Quality of DOTS Adherence Counselling
Of the 50 patients, the majority (56%) felt that their adherence would improve at home as opposed to being in the TB clinic. The main reasons for non-adherence to TB medication and/or DOT appointments were forgetfulness (22%) and seizing treatment upon feeling healthier (12%) (Table 2). In addition, patients perceived improved qualities of DOT adherence counselling to include; individual counselling sessions (74%), an adherence counsellor of the same sex (16%) and/or age category (12%) (Table 2). There were no significant differences in the factors associated with adherence counselling among patients with MDR and DST tuberculosis (p > 0.05) (Table 2).
3.3. Hospital Related Factors Affecting Quality of DOT Adherence
Of the 50 patients, 92% (n = 46) confirmed that the stipulated schedule for DOT
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Table 1. Social-demographic characteristics of key informants (n = 50).
MDR-TB = Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis, DS-TB = Drug-Susceptible Tuberculosis.
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Table 2. Factors associated with the quality of DOTS adherence counselling.
was consistent majority of the time and 76% of the patients found the scheduled time to be convenient. In addition, 80% of the patients were counselled in a language that they understood, however 16% were however not counselled at all since having been admitted (Table 3). In addition, 16% of the patients found the counsellors to be judgmental, while 74% felt that the counsellors created a comfortable and free environment (Table 3). There were significant differences in the hospital factors associated with adherence counselling among patients with DST and MDR tuberculosis (p > 0.05).
3.4 Indicators for Measuring the Quality of DOT Adherence
Of the total patients that partook in the study, 32% knew what DOT is and while 26% of patients knew what MDR-TB is, only 2% knew how it arises (Table 4). About 88% of the patients were however aware that TB is curable and 96% of them had faith in the possibility of treatment success. Furthermore, 26% percent of the participants felt that a few missed doses or more is insignificant towards precipitating treatment failure (Table 4).
Of the 50 patients, 82% (n = 41) received DOT daily at consistent times, 36% (n = 18) of the patients received adherence counselling at least 1 month ago or earlier whilst 16% (8/50) were never counselled at all. Of the 84% of patients that had received adherence counselling, 74% had counselling sessions that were at least 5 minutes long (Table 4, Figure 1).
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Table 3. Frequency and percentage of hospital related factors.
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Figure 1. Quality of DOT and adherence counselling services indicators.
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Table 4. Frequency and percentage of Indicators for measuring the quality of DOT adherence.
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Figure 2. Patient knowledge related quality of DOT adherence counselling indicators.
The patient-perceived quality of DOT adherence counselling indicators revealed that 34% of the patients (n = 17) felt that DOT was moderately important or unnecessary, however 92% (n = 46) rated the DOT that they received as good or excellent. About 34% of the patients identified aspects that can be modified to improve the DOT quality and similarly, 42% of patients identified areas of adherence counselling where improvements can be made to the quality (Table 4, Figure 2). A significant number of MDR-TB (44%) and DS-TB (57%) patients would not appropriately define what directly observed therapy (DOT) entails and/or aware of whether tuberculosis is curable (Figure 2). Over half of the patients don’t know want to do in case they miss to take a dose of their TB medication (Figure 2).
4. Discussion
4.1. Discussion of Findings
The study aimed to determine the quality and factors associated with TB DOTS adherence counselling among hospitalized DR-TB patients and DS-TB patients. We found that the quality of DOT Adherence counselling is sub-optimal in terms of the comprehensiveness and service delivery. The study also found that patients had poor knowledge on basic aspects of DOT and TB treatment and outcomes. A stratified cluster randomized control trial in America also found the inadequacy of the standard DOT adherence counselling as well as improvement in treatment outcomes [19] . Similar studies, also report improvement in treatment outcomes among patients in the adherence-counselling programme [26] [27] . This calls for strengthening quality of adherence counselling in the DOTS programmes particularly in TB programmes in LMIC.
The main driving factors of the quality of DOT adherence counselling identified by this study were patient-related factors and hospital-related factors (Table 2, Table 3). The main patient-related determinants identified by this study were patient preferences, of which the most significant one was the preference of individual counselling sessions as opposed to group counselling sessions (74%, n = 37). This was because the patients felt that they could disclose any potential problems affecting their adherence more freely in individual counselling sessions as well as ask any relevant questions could potentially be personal. In addition, the majority of the patients however did not have any preferences regarding the age and sex of the counsellors (Table 2) and reasoned that any age or sex is acceptable, provided that the counsellors are professional and competent. The main reasons identified for a lack of adherence was forgetfulness and treatment cessation by the patient upon feeling better (Table 2).
Similar studies, such as a study done in India have also identified patient-related factors that affect the emergence of drug resistant TB, the study found that the main barriers to adherence were drug side effects, a perceived lack of provider support, patient financial constraints, and conflicts with the timing of treatment services, alcoholism and social stigma [15] [28] [29] . Another study done in China used multivariate conditional logistics regression models to identify determinants of MDR-TB and/or adherence to medication which included, previous TB treatment; male sex, high school or lower education degree, unemployment, long distance of residence from the health facility; smoking, poor knowledge regarding MDR-TB, social stigma, among others [29] [30] [31] .
These studies are however quite limited because the variables investigated as potential determinants of MDR-TB were only from the patient’s perspective and completely neglected any determinants of MDR-TB that could be as a result of the health care providers, such as a lack of adherence counselling or a poor quality thereof. The results of the patient related factors affecting the quality of DOT adherence counselling in this study reinforce the results that were found in the above mentioned studies. This indicated that there is a compelling need for better management particularly through improving medication adherence guidelines.
The study also investigated patient preferences. We found that most patient preferred to take medication at home (56%, n = 28) rather than in the hospital. Whilst the others argued that being an in-patient was more beneficial because they had access to free meals at the hospital and reduced negative influences such as taking alcohol, that hinder good adherence and treatment completion.
Several studies such as a study done by Cadosch, et al. have investigated the effects of adherence counselling and DOT on treatment outcomes. The results of that study showed that failure to adhere to anti-TB medication directly affects treatment outcomes [22] . Another study done in 2016 looked at the association between DOT and TB treatment outcomes and found that there was no statistical significance [17] . These studies however did not look at any factors that directly influence the quality of DOT adherence. This study did however investigate the hospital-related factors and found that: majority of the patients found that the DOT schedule was consistent and convenient (Table 3). About 80% of the patients were counselled in a language that they understand, however (16%, n = 8/50) were not counselled at all and 74% felt that the counsellors were friendly and not judgmental. These results reflect that with respect to the hospital related factors, the null hypothesis is satisfied and the quality of the DOT counselling according to these factors is optimal.
This study also used specific indicators to directly measure the quality of the TB DOT adherence counselling (Table 4). The indicators were based on the DOT adherence counselling services itself, patient knowledge after DOT counselling and patients directly rating the DOT counselling (Table 4).
Results that directly reflect on the service itself concluded that (94%, n = 47) of the patients received DOT at each or most doses (although some patients revealed that they were allowed to drink the medicines in their rooms without supervision which defeats the purpose of DOT), however only 40% of the patients were counselled at least 3 months ago, 36% were counselled at least 1 month ago and 16% were not counselled at all since being admitted. These results, especially those pertaining to adherence counselling frequency are significantly low and thus provide compelling evidence for the need for improved national standard operating protocols for DOTS and adherence counselling. In addition, results pertaining to the patient-perceived quality of the DOT services were high (Table 4) and acceptable for optimal DOTS quality.
The patients’ knowledge as assessed after the patients received DOTS and adherence counselling was however very poor (Table 4). This clearly rejects the null hypothesis and indicates that the quality of DOT counselling as related to patient knowledge is indeed suboptimal. There are no documented studies that directly measured the quality of DOTS or adherence counselling using indicators and thus the results from the indicators could not be compared to any other studies.
4.2. Conclusions and Recommendations
Based on the findings, we conclude that the quality of DOTS counselling for DR-TB as well as DS-TB cases at Katutura Intermediate Hospital is sub-optimal.
The results from the patient-related factors and hospital-related factors reinforced findings from studies previously done that indicate that the quality of DOT adherence counselling in these particular areas is optimal.
The results from the indicators revealed that the patients’ knowledge regarding TB at large is very poor, which in turn reflects that the quality of DOT adherence counselling is sub-optimal. The frequency of adherence counselling was also found to be sup-optimal according to our judgement and the patients’ views and recommendations.
Despite the compelling evidence provided by similar studies on the strong association between good DOT adherence counselling and increased treatment outcomes, there are no existing TB DOT adherence counselling protocols nationwide or from the World health organization that may be used to accurately measure the quality of DOT adherence counselling.
The indicators identified in this study may be used to develop national standard operating for DOTS and adherence counselling which can be used to measure and ensure nationwide good quality DOT adherence counselling which is a crucial determinant of the emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis.
4.3. Limitations
This research study was done in Windhoek (which is an urban setting) and therefore, the results are not generalizable to the country’s entire population. Furthermore, this study was done on a Namibian population and the results from this study are not necessarily be generalizable for any other population groups.
Annexures
Annexure A: Consent Form
QUALITY OF DOTS COUNSELLING AMONG PATIENTS WITH MDR TUBERCULOSIS
Team Leader: Dan Kibuule (dkibuule@unam.na) and Taati Shikongo
PURPOSE OF STUDY: The School of Pharmacy is carrying out an assessment quality of counselling among patients with drug resistant tuberculosis with a focus on improving the counselling services in multidrug resistant tuberculosis. Your participation in this research will help us to understand the determinants of quality DOTS counselling from a patients perspective and how the capacity and efficiency could be improved.
STUDY PROCEDURE
I agree to participate in the study as a respondent to the interviewer-administered questionnaire; I understand that my personal records will be used confidentially for this study.
BENEFITS
I will benefit from the study by getting some information the quality of DOTS counselling patients receive at the facility and strategies to improve it.
Risks
My information will not be used for any other purposes other than this stay. My records will remain confidential and be handled in professional manner.
Reimbursement
I will not be paid for participating in the study.
RIGHT TO REFUSE OR WITHDRAW
The use of my information is entirely voluntary and can be freely withdrawn without anything levied on me.
CONFIDENTIALITY
The data collected in this study will be kept confidential and used only for research purposes. My identity will be kept confidential as far as the law allows. My name shall not appear on any forms. All information will be kept on coded forms.
STATEMENT OF CONSENT
__________________ has described to me what is going to be done, the risks and benefits involved. I do understand that my participation is entirely voluntary and my identity will remain anonymous. I also understand by signing this consent form, I do not waive any of my legal rights but merely indicate that I have been informed about the research study in which I am voluntarily agreeing to participate.
A copy of this form will be provided to me.
Signature of participant __________________ Date __________________
Signature of interviewer __________________ Date __________________
Annexure B: Patient’s Questionnaire
QUALITY OF TB DOTS ADHERENCE COUNSELLING SURVEY
Aim of Study: To measure the quality of the DOTS Adherence Counselling and improve it make the appropriate recommendations to improve it
Researcher: Taati Shikongo and Dan Kibuule, School of Pharmacy, UNAM
Please answer the questions as truthfully as possible and CHOOSE THE MOST RELEVANT ANSWER BY CHECKING (MARK WITH AN X) THE APPROPRIATE BOX OR SPECIFY YOUR ANSWER WHERE APPLICABLE
Part A: Social demographic characteristics of the respondents
1.1. What is your gender?
Male , Female ,
1.2. What is your age in years? ________________
1.3. What is your highest level of education?
None , Primary , Secondary , Tertiary ,
Part B: Awareness on DOTS adherence counselling
1.4. Do you know what DOTS (Direct-Observed treatment therapy) is and why it is done?
Yes , No ,
1.5. How often do the health care providers (nursing staff) observe you while you take your medicines?
At each dose , At most doses , Half the times ,
They rarely observe , They never observe ,
1.6. Do you think DOTS is necessary in helping you improve your medication adherence?
It is extremely necessary , It moderately necessary , It is unnecessary ,
1.7. Are the times that DOTS is done consistent (at the same time every day)?
Yes , No ,
1.8. Are the set times that DOTS is done convenient for you?
Yes , No ,
1.9. Do you think that your adherence would improve if you were at home as opposed to being in the hospital?
Yes , No ,
1.10. How would you rate the current DOTS which you receive?
Excellent , Good , Average , Poor , Very Poor ,
1.11. How would you improve the current DOTS?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
1.12. Any additional comments you have about the DOTS programme?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Part C: ADHERENCE COUNSELLING
2.1. When was your last adherence counselling session done?
<7 days ago , <2 weeks ago , <1 month ago ,
2 - 3 months ago , >3 months ago ,
2.2. How long are the adherence counselling sessions on average?
<2 minutes , 2 - 5 minutes , 5 - 10 minutes ,
>10 minutes
2.3. Do you prefer adherence counselling sessions that are done in groups or individually?
Individually , In Groups ,
2.4. Are the adherence counselling sessions done in a language that you clearly understand?
Yes , No ,
2.5. Are the adherence counsellors judgemental?
Yes , No ,
2.6. Do the counsellors provide an environment where you can openly and comfortably disclose issues such as lack of adherence?
Yes , No ,
2.7. Would you prefer a counsellor that is the same sex as you?
Yes , No ,
The Gender is irrelevant
2.7.1. Give a reason for your answer (if yes/no)
__________________________________________________________________
2.8. What age would you prefer the counsellor to be?
Younger than you , The same age as you , Older than you , The Age is irrelevant ,
2.8.1 Give a reason for your answer
__________________________________________________________________
2.9 In your opinion, is TB completely curable?
Yes , No ,
2.10. Are you confident that the treatment will work if you maintain good adherence?
Yes , No ,
2.11. What is Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and how does it arise?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2.12. What is your perception on missed doses?
1 single missed dose can cause treatment failure ,
A few missed doses aren’t significant ,
Treatment success only requires at least 50% adherence ,
Missed doses don’t really affect treatment success ,
2.13. How would you improve the current adherence counselling methods?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2.14. Any additional comments you have about adherence counselling?
__________________________________________________________________
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!!!
Can you try to include these questions from the Morisky scale
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Table A. Characteristics on adherence to diabetic medication (N = 96).