Loss from Treatment for Drug Resistant Tuberculosis: Risk Factors and Patient Outcomes in a Community-Based Program in Khayelitsha, South Africa

Abstract

LFT was high, occurred throughout the treatment period and was particularly high among males and those aged 15-25 years. Overall long term survival was poor. High rates of LFT should however not preclude scale up of community based care given its impact in increasing access to treatment. Further research is needed to support retention of DR-TB patients on treatment, even within community based treatment programs.