AEGiS-15IAC: An evaluation of direct observed therapy (DOT) Programme at Mukono AIDS Project.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

An evaluation of direct observed therapy (DOT) Programme at Mukono AIDS Project.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. B10044)

Sewanyana SV
University, Kampala, Uganda

OBJECTIVE: To assess impact of direct observed therapy programme on rate of infection and cure of T. B among HIV/AIDS patients.

DESCRIPTION: In 2001 Mukono AIDS project started a DOT programme as a means of ensuring compliance and adherence to T. B treatment among HIV/AIDS patients attending our clinic abaseline survey was carried out. Counsellor and the medical team sensitized the community about T. B. The community selects volunteers to be taught T. B signs and symptoms, counselling, making referrals and record keeping. The volunteers counseled and referred patient suspected to have T. B to our clinic. Those confirmed having T. B were put under doctor's surveillance for two weeks and after discharge were put on T. B treatment for Eight month. Eight-nine patients were treated under supervision of volunteers who sensitized family members about drug compliance, general hygiene and positive living. RESULTS: An evaluation of the programme after two years showed that cure rate rose from 57% to 80% and drug defaulting fell from 35% to 0% commune awareness and support rode from 25% to 85%. Community and home care is an important component of successful long-term drug compliance especially in rural setting of developing countries, which have limited monitoring structures.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active, HIV Seropositivity, Counseling, Developing Countries, Patient Compliance, Voluntary Workers, Health Services, Directly Observed Therapy, Rural Population, Humans, therapy, methods, drug therapy

040711
B10044