Psychosocial Interventions for Improving Treatment Adherence in Tuberculosis Patients: A Scoping Review of Evidence-Based Approaches

Adv Respir Med. 2026 May 15;94(3):32. doi: 10.3390/arm94030032.

ABSTRACT

This scoping review synthesized evidence on the psychosocial burden of tuberculosis (TB) and on evidence-based psychosocial interventions aimed at improving treatment adherence. Specifically, it examined: (a) the most frequent mental health problems associated with TB; (b) the main barriers to adherence; (c) the components and effects of psychosocial interventions; and (d) gaps in the literature and directions for future research. Bibliographic searches were conducted in PubMed and Scopus, covering articles published between 2005 and 2025. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Depression and anxiety were the most frequently reported mental health problems, while psychosis appeared mainly in multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) populations. Across studies, stigma, fear of transmission, socioeconomic disadvantage, treatment duration, and medication side effects emerged as major barriers to adherence. Evidence-based interventions-including psychoeducation, motivational enhancement therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and multicomponent psychosocial support-were associated with improved psychological outcomes and, in several studies, better adherence-related indicators. Overall, the evidence suggests that psychosocial distress is common among people with TB and may compromise treatment engagement. Integrating psychosocial and mental health support into TB services may therefore strengthen adherence and improve patient-centered outcomes, although more rigorous and context-sensitive research is still needed.

PMID:42201235 | DOI:10.3390/arm94030032