Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Demonstrating a Multi-drug Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Amplification Microarray
Published on: April 25, 2014
Defining person-centred treatment support for multidrug-resistant TB: a discrete choice experiment
M Kagujje1, G Mtumbi1, M Sikandangwa1
1Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.
Background:
Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) treatment remains challenging, with significant toxicity and associated hardships that undermine adherence and cure rates. Support packages may improve outcomes, but the features most valued by people with MDR-TB are unknown.
Methods:
A discrete choice experiment was performed among adults receiving MDR-TB treatment in Lusaka, Zambia. Five features (3-4 levels each) comprising a support package were evaluated through 12 choice tasks comparing hypothetical packages.
Results:
Among 99 participants (median age 36 years, 68.9% men, 42.4% HIV-positive), material support was the most valued feature (relative importance [RI] = 45.7%), with transport vouchers plus food assistance being the most preferred option. Visit frequency was also important (RI = 26.7%), with similar preferences for monthly and bimonthly visits. Participants preferred phone calls for visit reminders (RI = 11.8%), health care workers for emotional support (RI = 11.2%), and community-based health care workers or loved ones for treatment observation (RI = 4.7%). Three distinct preference groups were identified - all highly valued material support but varied in their preferences for other support features and their delivery.
Conclusion:
Among people with MDR-TB in Zambia, material support mechanisms and less frequent clinic visits were highly valued. Incorporating patient preferences into treatment programmes could optimise MDR-TB care and improve treatment adherence and outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
Blinding
Crossover Experiments
Crossover designs are performed even with smaller sample sizes since the samples can act as their controls. These are better than simple randomized trials since patients are exposed to all the treatments.
Bioequivalence Experimental Study Designs: Repeated Measures, Cross-Over, Carry-Over, and Latin Square Designs
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
