ROLE OF NURSE-DELIVERED COUNSELING IN ENHANCING TREATMENT ADHERENCE AND OUTCOMES IN PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the role of nurse-delivered counseling in enhancing treatment adherence and clinical outcomes among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Pulmonary tuberculosis remains a significant global public health issue, particularly in developing countries, where poor adherence to long-term treatment contributes to continued transmission, relapse, and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Despite the availability of effective therapy, multiple factors such as limited patient awareness, stigma, inadequate counseling, and socioeconomic constraints negatively affect adherence and treatment success. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was employed for this study. Data were collected from 54 pulmonary tuberculosis patients receiving treatment at a tertiary care hospital. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was used to assess adherence levels, while semi-structured interviews explored the role of nurses in providing counseling and support. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to determine associations between variables.The findings revealed that 57.41% of patients demonstrated moderate adherence, 38.89% had high adherence, and only 3.70% showed low adherence. Nurse-delivered counseling, particularly patient education (p = 0.001) and communication with family members (p = 0.045), showed a statistically significant association with improved adherence. Socioeconomic factors, including family support (p = 0.002), access to healthcare (p = 0.000), and stable economic conditions (p = 0.015), also significantly influenced treatment compliance.In conclusion, nurse-delivered counseling plays a crucial role in improving treatment adherence and clinical outcomes among pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Strengthening counseling practices and addressing socioeconomic barriers are essential for effective tuberculosis control and improved patient outcomes.