Treatment Hesitancy and Treatment Adherence Among Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis: A Correlational Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) presents substantial challenges to treatment completion because patients may encounter financial constraints, treatment burden, uncertainty, and varying levels of social and informational support. This study examined treatment hesitancy and treatment adherence among patients with MDR-TB and determined the relationship between specific hesitancy indicators and overall treatment adherence. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed using survey data from 26 MDR-TB patients who participated in the study. The instrument measured treatment hesitancy and treatment adherence, while descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, and Spearman's rank correlation were used to analyze the data. Findings showed that respondents generally demonstrated favorable perceptions toward several aspects of treatment adherence, particularly those associated with healthcare-provider support, treatment schedules, and interaction with healthcare personnel. Treatment-hesitancy responses also indicated concerns related to affordability and alternative treatment options. Among the treatment-hesitancy indicators, family or household support was moderately and positively associated with consolidated treatment adherence (rho = .457, p = .019), while being well-informed through consultation and follow-up was likewise moderately and positively associated with adherence (rho = .425, p = .030). Most other hesitancy indicators were not statistically significant. The findings suggest that patient understanding, supportive interpersonal relationships, and clear treatment guidance may be particularly relevant to sustained treatment adherence among MDR-TB patients. These results support patient-centered interventions that strengthen communication, education, and social support throughout the treatment process.
DOI: 10.65166/zyq9b024
Institution: Centro Escolar University
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7214925331