BACKGROUND: Up to half the @entity1 with @entity378 do not complete their treatment. Strategies to improve adherence to diagnostic and treatment regimens are therefore important. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of directly observed therapy by an appointed agent (health worker, community volunteer, or family member) on cure and treatment completion in @entity1 on treatment for @entity378 . SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group specialized trials register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and reference lists of articles. We also contacted experts in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized and quasi-randomized trials of direct observation of tablet swallowing compared with self treatment for @entity378 . DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: Four studies (n = 1603 @entity1 ) included. There was no difference detected between direct observation and self treatment for cure (Relative Risk [RR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98 to 1.14); and for cure plus treatment completion (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.13). A stratified analysis by the appointed agent (health professional, lay health worker, or family/community member) did not reveal any important differences. One study conducted in an optimal setting in which @entity1 were given a choice of supervisor did show modest benefit: cure (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.24); cure plus treatment completion (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.18). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Randomized trials provide no evidence that directly observed therapy in low and middle income country settings improves cure or treatment completion rates in @entity1 with @entity378 .

Directly observed therapy for treating XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['participants', 'people', 'patients'] @entity378 :: ('MESH:D014376', 'Disease') :: ['tuberculosis']
@entity378 :: (MESH:D014376,Disease) :: ['tuberculosis']
