Selective directly observed therapy: appraisement and perception of likely participants

Directly observed therapy (DOT) has become a popular strategy in tuberculosis (TB) control. Limited resources to provide DOT makes selection of patients an issue. Studies were done in San Francisco to analyze the socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics of 1992 TB patients--and of those on DOT--and to determine attitudes of indigent San Franciscans toward TB and adherence to TB control measures. The studies show that (1) African American and Latino patients were more likely to be selected for DOT than Asian/Pacific Islanders and whites, regardless of factors associated with adherence behavior, and (2) DOT, delivered in a respectful manner and combined with incentives, was evaluated positively by those with risk factors.