Tuberculosis Adherence Partnership Alliance Study (TAPAS)

This study is funded by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health and its Principal Investigator is Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr. TAPAS is a randomized clinical trial of a peer-based intervention to improve completion rates for LTBI treatment. The TAPAS intervention uses behavior models that are especially suited to the treatment of LTBI, the Health Belief Model and the Precautionary Adoption Process Model (PAPM). TAPAS peers provide one-to-one counseling, system navigation, and social support for their clients.

Candidates for peer worker positions participated in a two-week training, led by TAPAS investigators that covered LTBI, PAPM, and adherence to medications. Four peers were selected to work on the project. Each of them has successfully completed LTBI/TB treatment, is a patient of Harlem Hospital and is familiar with the Harlem community. Two of TAPAS' peers developed their skills working on peer intervention projects within the Department of Infectious Diseases, Pathways and HATS. The peer group is a dynamic one with various strengths and experiences, reflecting the needs of the clientele of the Chest Clinic. To serve our growing French-speaking African population, one of the peers is a bilingual native of the Ivory Coast.

TAPAS' peer workers collaborate with 2 Research Assistants, a Health Educator, an Administrative Assistant and a project Coordinator. The Research Assistants are responsible for the recruitment and follow-up of study participants, building and maintenance of the database and data analysis while the Health Educator works with the peers to deliver tailored interventions to study participants randomized to the experimental arm of the study. Recruitment from the Chest Clinic began on May 15, 2002. Two hundred and fifty two people have been recruited, 70% are men, 35% are African Americans, 36% are Africans and 20% are Latinos.