Innovative Approach in Tuberculosis Care in Armenia
Innovative Approach in Tuberculosis Care in Armenia
Randomized trial tests effectiveness of self-administered drug intake by empowered TB
 patients - supervised by a trained family member and supported by medical counseling and
 reminders - to improve treatment adherence and treatment success rates, and thereby forestall
 TB and MDR-TB epidemics.
The innovative treatment approach integrates several educational, technological, and social
 evidence-based components. The aim of this study is to pilot the innovative approach for
 drug-sensitive TB patients during the outpatient phase of tuberculosis treatment. To test the
 effectiveness of the innovative approach (intervention) a randomized controlled trial with
 two arms will be conducted. The intervention arm will include drug-sensitive tuberculosis
 patients that are treated according to the innovative approach, which includes
 self-administered drug intake supervised by a family member, TB patient and family member
 training (including distribution of a leaflet about TB) and psychological counseling,
 reminder text messages to TB patients, and reminder phone call to TB patient family members.
 The control arm will include drug-sensitive tuberculosis patients that receive the regular
 Directly Observed Therapy recommended by the World Health Organization.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Diagnosis of drug-sensitive TB

 -  Age 18 years old and above

 -  Understanding and reading in Armenian

 -  Completion of the intensive treatment phase

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Involvement in the Home Based TB Treatment Program of the National TB Control Office