Exploring the factors influencing medication adherence in patients with Tuberculosis under information-based management in Huizhou City, Guangdong Province

Abstract

This research investigates the crucial role of drug adherence in assessing tuberculosis (TB) management effectiveness, focusing on using Internet information management technology for TB patients in Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, China. Employing the E-TBPMS (electronic TB patient management system) integrates qualitative and quantitative methods to examine the factors influencing TB patients' medication adherence. Based on the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) theory, mixed methods research is used to cross-explain how the application of information management technology to manage TB patients improves their medication adherence – a quantitative study to explore the influencing factors and pathways of TB patients’ medication adherence, and a qualitative study to clarify the mechanisms influencing TB patients’ adherence. A questionnaire was developed for the first study, and a large amount of data was collected and explored to propose a model of the influencing factors of TB patients' medication adherence, aligned with the classical IMB theoretical model. In addition, based on data obtained by interviews, the qualitative study analyzed the multifaceted nature of factors or mechanisms influencing medication adherence of TB patients. This research identifies the knowledge, motivation, social support, side effect management, forgetfulness, and difficulties, among other factors, and highlights the positive impact of the E-TBPMS, for providing automated access to diagnostic and treatment information and personalized regimens, reminders, a communication platform, and recovery progress tracking for TB patients. In conclusion, strategies for the E-TBPMS are proposed, advocating improvements in user experience, personalized services, integration of artificial intelligence technologies, enhanced social interaction functions, and reinforced data security and privacy.