Predictors of Adherence to Latent Tuberculosis Infection Therapy in Latino Immigrants

Abstract

Adherence to Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) therapy is a continuing community problem. The purpose of this study was to examine the predictors of adherence to LTBI therapy in Latino immigrants at a public health clinic. A descriptive study was conducted to examine 153 randomly selected records from a population of Latino immigrant clients who had received a recommendation for 9 months of Isoniazid (INH) therapy. Most of the clients were women (64%), the mean age was 26.1, and the mean time in the U.S. was 4.58 years. The majority came from El Salvador, Bolivia, or Guatemala. Adherence dropped off in a linear fashion from month 1 (84%) to month 8 (34%). None of the demographic factors predicted adherence. Implications for community health nursing are discussed.