Improving TB Literacy Boosts Early Treatment Adherence

Researchers conducted a prospective observational study involving 80 adults initiating treatment for drug-susceptible TB at a public clinic in Kampala. Participants received routine TB education at the start of treatment, and their knowledge and TB literacy were assessed before and after education and during follow-up visits at two weeks, two months, and five months. Medication adherence was self-reported, and treatment outcomes were documented over an eight-month period.

The findings suggest that routine TB education has a minimal effect on knowledge and that very few individuals achieve TB literacy, despite the fact that improved knowledge is associated with improved adherence. More comprehensive and ongoing educational interventions are needed to address gaps in knowledge retention and improve outcomes. This study highlights the need for more robust TB education programs to promote TB literacy and support people with TB throughout the treatment journey.

The authors recommend developing structured and scalable TB education programs that include longitudinal support to maintain knowledge and adherence over time. Future research should focus on optimizing the delivery of TB education and exploring its integration with other interventions, such as counseling and community health worker support.

Supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (under a pilot award through P30MH062294) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (award R01HL176337), both part of the National Institutes of Health. Additional funding was provided by Yale University’s Wilbur G. Downs Fellowship and Lindsay Fellowship for Research in Africa.