Exploratory cross-sectional social network study to assess the influence of social networks on the care-seeking behaviour treatment adherence and outcomes of patients with tuberculosis in Chennai India: a study protocol

摘要

IntroductionPoor treatment adherence and outcomes among patients with tuberculosis (TB) lead to drug resistance, and increased risk of morbidity, mortality and transmission of the disease in the community. Individual patient-level psychological and behavioural risk factors and structural-level social and health system determinants of treatment adherence and outcomes had been studied widely in India and other countries. There is an evidence gap on how care-seeking behaviour, treatment adherence and outcomes of patients with TB are influenced by their social network structure and the different support they received from social network members.