This study examined tuberculosis patient treatment compliance behavior. The research design and methodology employed in the conduct of the study are described and explained in this chapter.
The effects of patient attitudes toward tuberculosis treatment, as independent variables, on the treatment compliance behaviors of identified tuberculosis patients, as dependent variables, were analyzed. Analyses of the relationships between attitudes and behaviors were controlled in relation to specified demographic characteristics that functioned as moderator variables.
Data required for this study were collected through the administration of a survey questionnaire, a copy of which is included as an appendix to this study. The instrument collected data related to subject treatment compliance behaviors (dependent variables), subject attitudes toward facets of the treatment regimen (independent variables), and demographic factors (moderator variables).
The population studied were identified tuberculosis patients in Los Angeles County, California. A sample of this population was selected through the application of random procedures to the list of identified tuberculosis patients at one large public health clinic located in Los Angeles County. A total of 150 patients were selected. Of this number, 103 subjects completed and returned usable data collection questionnaires. These 103 subjects constituted the research sample for this study.
A total of 94 (91.3 percent) of the subjects reported living in private family housing (houses, apartments, or condominiums), as opposed either to living in group homes or being homeless. Thus, housing was not included in the analyses as a moderator variable.
A total of 89 (86.4 percent) of the subjects reported annual family incomes of less than $15,000. Thus, income was not included in the analyses as a moderator variable.
A total of 93 (90.3 percent) of the subjects reported that they were...