Importance of treatment directly observed of tuberculosis in the perception of nurses

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the importance of performing the Directly Observed Treatment of Tuberculosis (DOT) in the perception of nurses in family health units in the city of Cajazeiras-PB. Methods: This is a descriptive exploratory field study with a qualitative approach. The research took place in Family Health Units in the municipality of Cajazeiras. As a technique for data collection, a semi-structured interview was used. Results: They were divided into two categories: socio-demographic data and importance in carrying out the DOT. Eighteen nurses participated in the research, of which 2 were men and 16 women. Most professionals had more than 5 years of professional activity and had postgraduate degrees in the area of expertise. In addition, the majority emphasized that DOT is important due to the formation of a bond with the user and the consequent prevention of abandonment of treatment. Conclusion: This study provided more knowledge about the importance from the perspective of the interviewees, because through the link between the team and the tuberculosis patient it is possible to monitor the take, identify the adverse factors, avoid abandonment, and especially follow the evolution.