Abstract

Objective
To assess the impact of social support on treatment adherence and treatment outcomes among patients with tuberculosis in the city of Dushanbe
Materials and Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted using registration records (TB-03, TB-03u), outpatient medical charts, and reports from the City Center for Tuberculosis Control for the period 2019–2024. The study focused on trends in tuberculosis incidence, the scope of social assistance provided (cash support, food packages, and hygiene items), and treatment outcomes. Statistical analysis included calculation of treatment success rates and Pearson’s correlation coefficient to determine the association between the level of assistance per patient and treatment effectiveness.
Results
Between 2020 and 2024, the cohort of patients receiving social support increased from 234 to 940 individuals, while the total value of assistance rose from 21,133 to 85,607 Tajik somoni. During the same period, a marked decline in tuberculosis incidence was observed, from 54.0 to 32.4 per 100,000 population, along with an increase in overall treatment effectiveness from 89.0% to 93.5%. A substantial reduction was also noted in the number of patients lost to follow-up (from 23 to 1) and in tuberculosis-related mortality (from 6–7 to 1 case per year). A strong positive correlation was identified between the amount of assistance allocated per patient and treatment effectiveness (r = +0.88; p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Social support, particularly food assistance, represents a critical factor influencing treatment adherence and favorable clinical outcomes among patients with tuberculosis in Dushanbe. The results underscore the practical value of integrating targeted social and nutritional support initiatives into comprehensive tuberculosis control programs to achieve the goals set by the World Health Organization.

Keywords

tuberculosis social support nutrition treatment adherence treatment effectiveness Dushanbe.

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