Factors Associated with Parental Involvement in Efforts to Prevent Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Children: A Scoping Review

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) in children remains common and requires prolonged treatment, making parental involvement essential for prevention and successful care. This scoping review (14 studies, 2010–2025) identified key factors influencing parental engagement in preventing exposure, ensuring preventive therapy, and supporting treatment adherence. These factors fall into four domains:

• Emotional: stigma, psychosocial burden, concerns, motivation, community support, attitudes of health workers.

• Instrumental/logistical: financial constraints, access to care, treatment burden, side effects, drug administration challenges, parental and child characteristics.

• Informational: parental knowledge, awareness, and education level.

• Appraisal: trust in the health system and health services.

The findings highlight that effective DR-TB prevention in children depends on tailored health education, counseling, and strong collaboration between families and healthcare providers.