Effectiveness of Public Health Model of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Control for High-Risk Adolescents

BACKGROUND:

Tuberculosis (TB) was responsible for almost one billion deaths in the 20th century. It is epidemic in the developing world and immigrants introduce TB to developed nations. TB control requires treatment for latent TB infection (LTBI) and active disease, as well as adherence to medical regimens. This study will determine the effectiveness of a public health model of LTBI control among high-risk adolescents. The integration of behavioral science, medical services, parent instruction, and assistance from schools and clinics (coordinated by the county health department) is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The effectiveness of this system is dependent, in part, on patient adherence.

DESIGN NARRATIVE:

The primary outcome of this study is adherence to an INH treatment regimen. For a given participant, adherence is assessed every 30 days, with the final outcome determined 12 months after treatment start date. Adherence is assessed using participant recall, urine testing for INH metabolites, pill counts, and medication event monitoring system (MEMS) caps.

The key secondary outcomes are parent knowledge and practice of intervention support procedures, parent knowledge of TB, self-esteem effects and life skills acquisition, cost and cost effectiveness of the intervention, and knowledge and practice of LTBI care by providers at participating community clinics.

Inclusion criteria

• PPD positive
• San Diego County residents (without plans to relocate out of the county in the 12 months after study entry)
• Able to respond to the interview questions in English or Spanish
• Eligible for INH treatment

Exclusion criteria

• Receiving treatment in Mexico (due to differing medications and length of treatment)