Context

Directly observed therapy (DOT), a component of DOTS (directly observed therapy short course), is arguably one of the most successful public health programmes bringing a paradigm shift in curbing the deadly menace of tuberculosis (TB). Evidence shows that DOT improved adherence and cure rate during the late 1990s.1 Despite the availability of effective treatment, TB continues to be a global leader of morbidity, mortality and economic burden.2 Recently, questions have been raised on the efficacy of all forms of DOT, be it observed by health professionals, community health workers or family members. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of DOT with self-administered treatment (SAT) and various other forms of DOT, including home versus health facility and …