2001 International Conference of the American Thoracic Society, San Francisco, CA. May 2001.

Hirsch-Moverman Y, Gee V, Nader N, Daud A, Colson PW, El-Sadr W. Treatment Preferences Among Patients Screened For Latent Tb Infection At Harlem.

Introduction: Treatment (tx) of Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) has traditionally involved 6 - 12 mos of isoniazid (INH). Shorter course regimens (RIF/PZA for 2 mos) have recently been offered but involve more pills and side effects. Little is known about patient (pt) preferences for these LTBI regimens.

Methods: We assessed pts demographics, TB knowledge, and treatment preferences in Harlem. The preferences portion included 6 factors relating to treatment preferences, a presentation of two treatment options for LTBI treatment, treatment preference and reason for it.

Results: Of 69 patients, 81% were African-American, 9% Latino, 30% foreign-born, mean age of 38 years, 41% had a history of homelessness, 54% had completed high school, and 10% were previously treated for LTBI. Fifty five percent of pts preferred the short-course tx. Those who preferred the longer treatment tended to emphasize the lack of side effects (55%) while those who preferred shorter-course regimens mentioned length of tx (92%).

Conclusions: Different pts emphasize various factors in their treatment preference of LTBI tx. Further research is needed on pt satisfaction and tx completion of those regimens.