A study to determine factors associated with utilisation of trained tuberculosis treatment supporters by tuberculosis patients in Lundazi district.

Abstract

This study is aimed at determining factors associated with the utilisation of the trained Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment Supporters in Lundazi district. The use of Trained TB treatment supporters has been promoted as one of the strategy to increase the cure rate, reduce the defaulter rate, reduce relapses and prevent the development of Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR) Tuberculosis. There are various factors that are associated with the utilization of trained TB Treatment Supporters such as socio-economic factors which include fear of stigmatization and discrimination, cultural beliefs, religious factors, educational level and age of the TB client. Other factors include service-related factors which are inadequate sensitization, attitude, lack of confidentiality among trained TB treatment supporters, distance, Non-availability of trained TB treatment supporters and erratic supply of drugs, and disease-related factors which are knowledge, chronicity of TB and loss of hope. The researcher investigated the knowledge, attitude and practice of the TB client towards the utilisation of trained TB treatment supporters in Lundazi district. Literature search of the studies done globally, regionally and locally has already indicated the need to involve the trained TB treatment supporters in the fight against TB. Hence, the need to determine the factors associated with the utilisation of trained TB treatment supporters. This is a study which sought to examine how the TB clients value the services of the trained TB treatment supporters. The study revealed that there is a low utilisation of trained TB treatment supporters in the district; only 28% of the 50 respondents were being supervised by the trained TB treatment supporters. The study also revealed that 76% of the respondents do discuss about their TB treatment with their treatment supporters.