Patient Adherence and Adverse Effects Of Antituberculosis Drugs: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Gorontalo Region

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global public health challenge, especially in Indonesia, which ranks third among countries with the highest TB burden worldwide. This study aims to describe patient adherence and the incidence of adverse effects from anti-TB drugs (ATDs) in the Gorontalo region. A cross-sectional design was employed involving 259 TB patients from 11 primary health centers undergoing Category I and II treatment. Data were collected using direct observation, the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), and patient self-reports of adverse drug reactions. The results showed that 82.24% of patients demonstrated high adherence, although more than 30% experienced side effects such as malaise, nausea, headache, and dizziness. The majority of patients were female, of productive age, had secondary-level education, and worked in informal sectors. Despite the prevalence of side effects, the effectiveness of the DOTS strategy and strong social support appeared to contribute to high adherence. These findings highlight the importance of education, side-effect monitoring, and community-based approaches to improve TB treatment outcomes.