Abstract
Objective: We studied factors responsible for compliance of medical treatment among compliant and non-compliant Tuberculosis (TB) patients referred to Urmia health centers in West Azarbaijan, Iran.
Methods: This descriptive study included 82 Pulmonary TB patients (50 female and 32 male) aged between 15-65 years. The Integrated Model of Health Behaviors was used to elicit information related to factors responsible for compliance of medical treatment among these patients. The questionnaire included 8 parts and consisted of 53 questions. It evaluated socio-demographics and 5 components (Knowledge, cues, health beliefs, self- efficacy and social support) in TB patients. The data was analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: Sixty-three percent complied with treatment. There was a significant differences between compliance and health beliefs and self- efficacy (p<0.001). On the contrary, there were no significant differences between knowledge and socio-demographic characteristics and compliance of treatment
Conclusion: The compliant patients had a good self-efficacy and health beliefs as compared to non compliant TB patients. (Rawal Med J 2008;33:131-133).
Key words: Tuberculosis, compliance, medical treatment, community health nurse
