Adherencia farmacológica en pacientes con tuberculosis que acuden a un centro de salud de la ciudad de Guayaquil.

Abstract

Tuberculosis is an infectious respiratory disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which continues to represent a significant challenge to public health, especially in regions with high prevalence. Problem: Many patients do not complete treatment due to lack of commitment and little interest, leading to ineffective treatment and inefficient use of resources. Objective: To determine drug adherence in patients with tuberculosis who attend a health center in the city of Guayaquil, in order to identify the factors that affect this adherence and propose strategies for its improvement. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study was conducted in a health center in Guayaquil, with a representative sample of patients with tuberculosis. Results: Regarding sociodemographic characteristics, men with 53% and ages between 18-25 years with 28%, of which 26% have poor eating habits, 20% have diabetes; regarding complications, 41% presented deterioration and 32% with prolonged treatment; Regarding the level of pharmacological adherence, 23% do not take their medications at the indicated times, 20% stop taking their medications when they feel unwell, and 20% stop taking their medications spontaneously for various reasons. Conclusions: It was determined that correct adherence behaviors to treatment were adopted by the majority of patients with tuberculosis, however there is a significant group of patients who do not have adequate adherence habits.