Patient-Reported Barriers to Treatment Initiation and Completion for Latent Tuberculosis Infection Among Patients Within a Large Integrated Health Care System in Southern California

Abstract

Objective: More than 80% of active tuberculosis in the United States is due to reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), which can be prevented via screening and treatment. Treatment initiation and completion rates are low for patients with LTBI in the United States, and the barriers to successful treatment are poorly understood.

Design: We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 38 patients who were prescribed LTBI treatment (9 months isoniazid, 6 months rifampin, or 3 months rifamycin-isoniazid short-course combinations). We used purposeful sampling employing a maximum variation approach to obtain diverse perspectives of patients who did not initiate treatment, who did not complete treatment, and who completed treatment (n = 14, n = 16, and n = 8, respectively). Patients were asked about LTBI knowledge, experience regarding treatment, interactions with providers, and barriers they faced. Using a team coding model (2 coders/analysts), we developed deductively derived (a priori) codes based on our central research questions and inductively derived codes that emerged directly from the data. Analysis of our coding categories and relationships generated a hierarchy of key themes and subthemes.

Setting: Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

Participants: Individuals 18 years or older who received a diagnosis of LTBI and prescribed treatment.

Main outcome measures: LTBI knowledge, attitudes toward LTBI, attitudes toward LTBI treatment, attitudes toward providers, and explanation of barriers.

Results: Most patients reported having limited knowledge of LTBI. In addition to the duration of treatment, barriers to initiation and completion included perceived lack of support, uncomfortable side effects, and pervasive minimization of the positive impact of treatment on their health. Many patients felt there was little incentive to overcome barriers.

Conclusions: Overall, patient experience with LTBI treatment initiation and completion could be improved with patient-centered treatment and more frequent follow-ups.