Tuberculosis prevention: A program for incarcerated adolescent males

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a tuberculosis (TB) educational and behavioral intervention with incarcerated adolescent males, aged 11 to 17, who were taking Isoniazid for TB infection. Using a quasi-experimental design, a treatment group (n=10) and a comparison group (n=10) were given a knowledge pretest and posttest, self-esteem scale, and health value scale. Additionally, the treatment group received the intervention. Research questions addressed both knowledge and completion of therapy. Analysis of data on differences in TB knowledge between the two groups using t tests showed no significant differences. Chi square test was used to evaluate the effect of the intervention on the completion of therapy. There was no significant increase in medication adherence between the two groups when they left the correctional facilities. However, total number of completions was greater in the treatment group when those who were returned or remained incarcerated were included.