Tuberculosis Treatment Adherence among Patients Taking Anti-TB Drugs in Kilifi County, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: TB treatment adherence is proven to be the single factor associated with TB treatment success. Poor treatment adherence increases the spread of new TB cases and the likelihood of developing MDRTB. Thus, this study aimed to determine factors influencing TB treatment adherence in Malindi Subcounty, Kilifi County Kenya.
Materials and Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional study design. A Structured standardized questionnaire from the Morisky medication adherence scale and Focus group discussion were used to collect data. Purposive sampling was used to select 8-high burden facilities, we used descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression to analyse the data.
Results: Two hundred and thirty-five (235) patients were sampled. TB treatment adherence level was 75% in Malindi sub-county. Living with family (OR =3.01; CI: 1.45-6.25, P=0.003), basic knowledge on TB (OR; 4.078, CI: 2.039-8.154, P=0.001), perceived severity (OR=2.186, CI: 1.088-4.393, P=0.028) and perceived susceptibility (OR=0.477, CI: 0.303-0.752, P=0.001), patient satisfaction (OR; 1.824, CI: 1.257-2.647), P=0.002) and enrolment of TB patients to support groups (OR; 0.353, CI: 0.438-1.538), P=0.031) were factors associated with TB treatment adherence.
Conclusion and Recommendation: Factors like family support, basic knowledge of TB and patient support increase TB treatment adherence.
We recommend community advocacy on TB, policies on integration of TB services and enrolment of TB patients to support groups to increase TB treatment adherence.