OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that predict noncompliance with tuberculosis treatment in the province of Ica, Peru. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2000 a case-control study (1:1 ratio) was conducted in the province of Ica, with 55 cases (persons who dropped out of treatment) being identified. The factors evaluated were chosen from Lalonde's model of the field of health. The respective odds ratios were calculated by means of univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The following factors were identified as being predictive of noncompliance with tuberculosis treatment: thinking that the information that health workers provided on treatment was insufficient (odds ratio (OR) = 4.20; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.77-10.02), thinking that the office hours for receiving treatment were inadequate (OR = 9.95; 95% CI, 1.97-50.21), and consuming illegal drugs (OR = 7.15; 95% CI, 1.69-30.23). CONCLUSIONS: To improve compliance with tuberculosis treatment, it is necessary to provide patients with personalized information on the disease and its treatment, and to offer them flexible, appropriate times to receive treatment. Drug consumption is the most serious risk factor for noncompliance, and identifying and following up with drug users is crucial.
OBJETIVO: Identificar factores de pronóstico del abandono del tratamiento antituberculoso en la provincia de Ica, Perú. MÉTODOS: Entre 1998 y 2000 se llevó a cabo un estudio de casos y testigos (razón numérica de 1:1) en la provincia de Ica. Se identificaron 55 casos de abandono del tratamiento antituberculoso. Los factores evaluados se seleccionaron a partir del modelo del campo de la salud de Lalonde. Las respectivas razones de posibilidades se calcularon por medio de análisis unifactorial y multifactorial. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron como factores pronósticos del abandono del tratamiento anti-tuberculoso los siguientes: considerar insuficiente la información proporcionada por el personal de salud sobre el tratamiento (razón de posibilidades [odds ratio, OR]: 4,20; intervalo de confianza de 95% [IC95%]: 1,77 a 10,02), considerar inadecuados los horarios para recibir el tratamiento (OR: 9,95; IC95%: 1,97 a 50,21) y consumir drogas ilícitas (OR: 7,15; IC95%: 1,69 a 30,23). CONCLUSIONES: Para mejorar el cumplimiento del régimen antituberculoso es necesario brindar a los pacientes información personalizada sobre la enfermedad y su tratamiento, además de ofrecerles horarios flexibles y apropiados para recibirlo. El consumo de drogas es el factor de riesgo más alto de abandono, por lo que resultan cruciales su identificación y seguimiento.