Patient discussions
Patients with TB will need education and support during treatment. Treatment courses are long, which can make adherence to regimens challenging, and patients often face psychosocial issues as a result of stigma.
Adherence to treatment: patients should be aware of the importance of taking all drugs as prescribed, including those receiving treatment for latent TB infection. Potential barriers to adherence should be identified and addressed and patients should be involved in decision-making as much as possible. Use of video rather than in-person directly observed therapy for monitoring treatment may improve adherence.[106]
TB-related stigma: stigma is a global public health challenge that is associated with psychosocial issues, such as depression and reduced quality of life, and can delay health-seeking behavior and negatively impact treatment outcomes.[143][144] Tackling TB-stigma is a wide issue that involves educating healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public. Patients benefit from psychosocial support during management.
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