Summary of included studies
Even though the type of TB or method of diagnosis was not specified in the selection criteria, the data extracted for all eight studies were for new, sputum smear-positive TB patients, treated with regimens for drug-sensitive TB. In some studies DOT was provided for only the intensive phase (first two months of treatment), and then only for the first dose each week during the continuation phase (all with thrice weekly treatment regimens [29-31]), or DOT was replaced by SAT during the continuation phase (daily treatment regimens [20,27]). In one study DOT was for daily dosing in the intensive phase only, followed by daily attendance at the clinic to collect drugs to be taken without supervision for the continuation phase (for both CB DOT and clinic DOT patients) [28]. For the other two studies DOT was provided for the entire course of treatment; one with a daily treatment regimen [13] and the other with a five day per week regimen [26].
Additional file 3 contains the extracted data (with results for the primary and secondary outcome) from all eight included studies.