Symbolic illustration of IPT adherence bridging healthcare systems and lung health

IPT Adherence: Are You Maximizing Your TB Prevention?

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover key factors influencing isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) adherence among HIV-positive patients and practical strategies to improve TB prevention efforts."

Tuberculosis (TB), an airborne disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a significant global health challenge, especially for individuals with HIV. When someone has latent TB, it means the TB bacteria is in their body, but they aren't sick because their immune system is keeping it in check. However, in people with HIV, who often have weakened immune systems, this latent TB can easily turn into active TB disease.

That's where Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) comes in. IPT is a medication regimen designed to prevent latent TB infection from progressing to active TB disease. For HIV-positive individuals, IPT is a crucial part of comprehensive care, significantly reducing their risk of developing active TB and improving their overall health outcomes.

But here's the catch: IPT only works if people take it consistently and correctly. This is where 'adherence' comes into play. Adherence refers to how well a person follows their prescribed treatment plan – taking the right dose at the right time, every time. Unfortunately, adherence to IPT can be challenging for various reasons. A recent study conducted at Adama Hospital Medical College in Ethiopia sheds light on the factors affecting IPT adherence among HIV-positive patients, offering valuable insights for healthcare providers and individuals alike.

Why IPT Adherence Matters: Unpacking the Research

Symbolic illustration of IPT adherence bridging healthcare systems and lung health

The study, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases & Preventive Medicine, involved 168 HIV-positive patients undergoing IPT at Adama Hospital Medical College in Ethiopia. Researchers aimed to determine the level of adherence to IPT and identify the factors that influenced it. The findings revealed a concerningly low self-reported adherence rate of 68.5%.

Several factors emerged as significant barriers to IPT adherence:

Forgetfulness: The most common reason for missing doses.
Being Away from Home: Disrupting routines and access to medication.
Being Busy: Leading to missed doses due to time constraints.
Abdominal Side Effects: Discomfort causing patients to skip doses.
Unclear Information from Healthcare Providers: Lack of understanding about the importance and proper use of IPT.
Not Using Memory Aiding Tools: Difficulty remembering doses without reminders.
Perceived Lack of Confidentiality: Concerns about stigma affecting adherence.

These findings highlight the complex interplay of factors that can impact a person's ability to adhere to IPT. Addressing these barriers is crucial for improving TB prevention efforts among HIV-positive individuals.

Boosting IPT Adherence: Practical Steps for Better TB Prevention

The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve IPT adherence among HIV-positive patients. Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in this effort. Clear and consistent patient education is essential. Providers should take the time to explain the importance of IPT, how to take it correctly, and how to manage any potential side effects.

Here are some practical strategies that can make a real difference:

<ul> <li>Simplify the Regimen: Make the dosing schedule as easy to follow as possible.</li> <li>Provide Clear Information: Ensure patients understand the benefits and potential side effects of IPT.</li> <li>Address Concerns: Create a safe space for patients to discuss their concerns about stigma or confidentiality.</li> <li>Offer Support: Connect patients with support groups or peer mentors.</li> </ul>

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4172/2329-8731.1000154, Alternate LINK

Title: Isoniazid Preventive Therapy: Level Of Adherence And Its Determinant Factors Among Hiv Positive Patients In Adama Hospital Medical College, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2016

Subject: General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Journal: Journal of Ancient Diseases & Preventive Remedies

Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group

Authors: Elias Abdulalim, Sileshi Garuma, Bekele Dibaba, Tolossa E Chaka

Published: 2017-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT), and how does it help people with HIV?

Isoniazid Preventive Therapy, or IPT, is a medication regimen specifically designed to prevent latent Tuberculosis infection from progressing into active TB disease, especially for individuals who are HIV-positive. By consistently adhering to IPT, these individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing active TB, thereby improving their overall health outcomes. It targets the Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Why is it so important for HIV-positive individuals to adhere to their Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) regimen?

Adherence to Isoniazid Preventive Therapy is crucial because IPT's effectiveness relies on consistent and correct usage. If a person doesn't follow the prescribed dosage and schedule, the therapy's ability to prevent latent TB from progressing to active TB disease diminishes significantly. Low adherence rates undermine TB prevention efforts and put HIV-positive individuals at greater risk.

What are the biggest challenges that make it difficult for people to stick to their Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) schedule?

Research indicates that forgetfulness, being away from home, busy schedules, abdominal side effects, unclear information from healthcare providers, not using memory aids, and concerns about confidentiality are significant barriers to IPT adherence. Addressing these factors through targeted interventions is crucial for enhancing TB prevention among HIV-positive patients. Other socio-economic factors, such as access to healthcare, stigma and discrimination, can also play a part.

What role do healthcare providers play in helping patients stay on track with their Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT)?

Healthcare providers play a critical role in improving Isoniazid Preventive Therapy adherence by providing clear and consistent patient education. This involves explaining the importance of IPT, detailing how to take it correctly, and offering strategies for managing potential side effects. Encouraging the use of memory-aiding tools and ensuring patient confidentiality are also vital components of effective support.

What are the potential consequences if people don't consistently take their prescribed Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT)?

If adherence to Isoniazid Preventive Therapy is low, the risk of latent Tuberculosis infection progressing to active TB disease increases significantly, especially in HIV-positive individuals. This progression not only endangers the individual's health but also contributes to the spread of Tuberculosis within communities. Therefore, strategies to enhance IPT adherence are essential for protecting both individual and public health.