This study had as objective to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the Directly Supervised Treatment strategy (DOTS) from the view of patients and workers from the North, West and East Health Departments of São Paulo. The analysis of the statements was based on the Social Determination Theory of the Health-Disease process. In general, the DOTS makes it possible to establish attachments and that treatment adherence is associated with the need of returning to work. The identified weaknesses were the health professionals' lack of involvement in the treatment and the irregular distribution of incentives. Results show that treatment adherence transcends the biological and individual scope, and that it is central that health professionals recognize patients as people who have specific needs that are not limited to the tuberculosis treatment.