Peer-led education on treatment success and patient-reported outcomes in drug-susceptible pulmonary TB
In brief
Trial will test peer-led education in 250 Ethiopian TB patients
A cluster-randomised controlled trial in 30 health facilities will enroll 250 adults with drug-susceptible pulmonary TB in southern Ethiopia to compare standard care with a peer-led educational program. Researchers will measure treatment success, quality of life, disability and depression over three visits, aiming to determine whether shared-experience support improves both clinical and psychosocial outcomes.
- Journal
- The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (Q1)
- Published
- 28 August 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- M G Workie, F Ambaw, M A Asemahegn
- PMID
- 42665894
- DOI
- 10.5588/ijtld.26.0102
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Microbiology (medical) (top studies of the week, 30 August 2026): High-quality evidence in a top journal
Abstract
<sec><title>BACKGROUND</title>Peer-led education has shown effectiveness in improving adherence and psychosocial outcomes for HIV and chronic disease through shared experience and social learning. Despite its potential, peer involvement remains underutilised in TB care, particularly in low-income settings. Existing studies primarily focus on microbiological cure and treatment completion with minimal attention to patient-reported outcomes such as quality of life, disability, and mental health.</sec><sec><title>OBJECTIVE</title>The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a peer-led educational intervention on treatment success, quality of life, disability, and depression among adults with drug-susceptible pulmonary TB in South Omo and Ari zones, in southern Ethiopia.</sec><sec><title>METHODS</title>A cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted in 30 randomly selected health facilities, enrolling 250 participants. Data will be collected at three time points using structured questionnaires. Mixed-effects logistic regression will assess treatment outcomes. Changes in quality of life, disability, and depression will be analysed using generalised estimating equations. Statistical significance will be set at P < 0.05 with 95% confidence intervals.</sec><sec><title>CONCLUSION</title>The study aims to provide evidence on whether peer-led education improves TB treatment and psychosocial outcomes, informing patient-centred TB control strategies in Ethiopia.</sec>.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.