Harlem DOT for LTBI Study

We designed a study that examined TB knowledge among patients beginning Directly Observed Therapy for LTBI, and the impact of these parameters on adherence with treatment. We assessed patients' demographics, substance use, TB knowledge, and treatment adherence in the Harlem "surrogate family" clinic-based DOPT program. Of 89 patients, 76% were African-American, 15% Latino, 45% foreign-born, mean age of 44 years, 38% had a history of homelessness, 42% had completed high school, 68% had a history of substance use, 27% were currently using illicit drugs, and 10% were previously treated for LTBI. At baseline, 67% of patients had known HIV status with 23% HIV positive. Overall, treatment adherence with doses was 96%, with 77% of patients taking >95% of prescribed medications. Of twenty-four questions regarding TB knowledge, 15.2% of patients with adherence >95% and 16.7% of patients with adherence <95% answered correctly 75% or more of questions with mean score of 15.7. Patients had similar TB knowledge scores regardless of adherence or HIV status.