Recorded presentation

Angela M. Bucciarelli¹, Susan Lepre, PhD², and Ed J Gracely, PhD¹. (1) School of Public Health, Drexel University, 245 N. 15th St. - mail stop 660, Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192, 215-520-0627, angiebuc@yahoo.com, (2) Research, Bergen County Department of Health Services, 327 East Ridgewood Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652-4895

While the treatment of individuals with active tuberculosis is the primary focus for tuberculosis control, an important second priority is the identification and treatment of latent tuberculosis infections (LTBI). New Jersey has historically been a state with some of the highest national averages for TB infection. This is essentially due to the fact that New Jersey has a large number of foreign-born immigrant residents. Isoniazid (INH) therapy has been the mainstay of treatment for LTBI for the past 30 years, but it application has been limited by poor compliance and potential hepatotoxicity. Despite the recognized importance of treating latent TB infection, few studies describe the proportion of LTBI cases that initiate and complete therapy, or how completion of therapy is monitored. In a three-year chart review study, analysis of INH treatment compliance of LTBI cases within Bergen County, New Jersey was completed. LTBI cases over the age of eighteen, residents of Bergen County, and treated at the Bergen County Department of Health Services from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2002 were followed to determine INH compliance as defined by maintenance of INH therapy for nine months. Country of origin, education, and other demographic variables were tested as potential predictors for completion of INH therapy. Aggressively addressing the issue of full INH treatment compliance will significantly reduce the burden of TB within the County of Bergen.

Learning Objectives: By the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Apply the information provided from the study for improving county-level tuberculosis (TB) programs and treatment efforts directed to LTBIs
• Describe the population of LTBI cases that participate in INH treatment at a county health department
• Define the compliance patterns and factors of INH thepay within foreign-born and immigrant LTBI cases

Keywords: Tuberculosis, Treatment Adherence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Bergen County Department of Health Services - TB Control Unit
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation