The necessity of psychological interventions to improve compliance with Tuberculosis treatment and reduce psychological distress

Neeraj Agarwal, Parth Sarthi

Abstract:

: One of the major obstacles in treating TB is the patient’s nonadherence to the treatment regimen resulting in prolonged
disease transmission and development of resistance to anti‑TB drugs. An individual’s mental health affects his/her adaptation to the
disease. Mental health issues and TB both are inextricably connected and research into this area will provide an opportunity to develop
a more holistic model of TB treatment and prevention. Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of mental health
issues in patients with TB and its influence on individual perception of well‑being with an emphasis on psychopathology as a major
obstacle to treatment adherence. Research into this area will provide an opportunity to develop a more holistic model of TB treatment
and prevention. Settings and Design: Primary data were collected with the help of ASHA workers, and primary survey‑based study
was designed. Methods and Material: A total of 249 diagnosed Tuberculosis cases were included in the study. A digitalized version
of the PGIHQN‑1 questionnaire was made and used to separate the psychiatric population from the normal group. Asha workers
were trained to use the digital version on tablets. Statistical Analysis Used: Using Microsoft Excel, Graphic Tables, and corelation
were done using SPSS Statistics. Results: Mental health issues were found in diagnosed TB cases, which required further evaluations.
Along with mental health issues, limited resources, gender, limited education, lack of proper knowledge about the disease, having
responsibilities (Marital status), locality were found to be the important factors that complicate TB outcomes, hence should be taken
into consideration while imparting psychological interventions. Conclusion: Mental health issues complicate TB outcome and hence
need to be properly addressed, and thorough psychoeducation, psychological first aid (listen, protect, connect, model& teach), and
timely intervention in the form of proper diagnosis and specific treatment and rehabilitation are needed.