K Malejczyk, j Gratrix, A Beckon, et al. Factors associated with noncompletion of latent tuberculosis infection treatment in an inner-city population in Edmonton, Alberta. Can j Infect Dis

A limited number of studies have been published that examine treat-ment completion rates and interventions used to increase treatment completion within an inner-city population. The purpose of the pres-ent study was to determine the rate of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment completion in an inner-city population in Edmonton, Alberta, and to identify factors that correlated with treat-ment completion. A retrospective chart review was conducted involv-ing patients who started LTBI treatment between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2010 in Edmonton’s inner city. A total of 77 patients started treatment and 57 (74%) patients completed LTBI treatment. Homelessness was the only variable that was significantly associated with incomplete treatment (OR 8.0 [95 % CI 1.4 to 45.6]) and it remained significant when controlling for drug use (adjusted OR 6.5 [95 % CI 1.1 to 38.8]). While the present study demonstrated treat-ment completion rates comparable with or better than those described in the general population, it highlighted the need for continued emphasis on interventions aimed at improving outcomes within homeless populations