Socio-Demographic Characteristicso of The Patients Defaulted from Treatment of Tuberculosis

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of the patients with uncompleted treatment of TB, their demographical properties and to determine the reasons. Material and Method: This descriptive study was carried out throughout Konya in 2001. Total 1979 cases undergoing TB treatment were included in the study. It was established that 164 (%8.3) of the cases taking TB treatment had given up treatment too early. All these cases were interviewed face to face at their addresses registered in their files. This interview included clinical irregation, PPT application, pulmonary X-ray exemination and collection of sputum for ARB. Results: The mean age of the tuberculosis patients was 36.8±16.5 yrs in male and 38.6±19.1 yrs in female (P>0.05). Among the 1979 cases taking tbc treatment, 8.3% gave up the treatment. This rate was 21.6% among the cases whose treatment began in hospital, and 4.5% among the cases of dispensaries. 40.6 % of the patients was illiterate. 38.7 % of them did not have social security. The relatives of 39.4 % cases had a tuberculosis history. There was accompanying illness in 36.8 % of the patients. 61.9 % of the males and 14.3% of the females were smokers. Conclusion: We believe that general economical development, better education level, regular administration and follow-up systems and efforts to provide a better communication with patients may positively affect the results of efforts against the tuberculosis.