Abstract

COSTA, Silvana Monteiro et al. Knowledge of clients who suffer of pulmonary tuberculosis and their family members concerning the adherence of the treatment and associated factors in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State. Ciênc. saúde coletiva [online]. 2011, vol.16, suppl.1, pp. 1427-1435. ISSN 1413-8123.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-81232011000700078.

This cross sectional study aimed at the determination of the prevalence of the knowledge about the adherence to the tuberculosis treatment that clients suffering of pulmonary tuberculosis and their families have concerning this disease and associated factors. A total of 68 tuberculosis clients who attended the Tuberculosis Control Program in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, and 82 of their family members were interviewed, totalizing 150 clients. The prevalence of the knowledge was 60%. The multivariate analysis has showed a meaningful association between the adherence knowledge and the condition of being a tuberculosis client (prevalence ratio: 1.64, confidence intervals 95%: 1.25-2.15) and with the fact of the existence of one case in the family (prevalence ratio: 1.33; confidence intervals 95%: 1.04-1.70). It is observed that the adherence knowledge is low, making it clear the need for educational actions for sick people, family members and the community.

Keywords : Knowledge; Treatment; Tuberculosis.