Socio-Cultural Factors Associated with Patient Delay in Commencement of Anti-TB Drugs among TB Patients in Kwale County, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: Worldwide, TB is one of the top 10 causes of death and the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. The disease is spread across all countries and affects all age groups. Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs. In Kenya, a nationwide survey to determine the burden of TB in the country established that the prevalence of TB is 558 [95%CI 455–662] per 100,000 adult population, an increase from the 2015 prevalence of 233/per 100,000 population. Studies have also shown that in Kenya, the cases of multi-drug resistance TB are increasing. This can be attributed to delay in TB treatment by newly confirmed TB cases among other factors. This paper sought to establish the socio-cultural factors associated with delay in commencement of ant-TB drugs among TB patients In Kwale County, Kenya.
Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative study. Data was collected from Volunteer Community Health Workers as Key informants and analyzed using Framework and thematic analysis methods.
Results: Socio-cultural factors associated with patient delay in commencing TB treatment among newly diagnosed TB patients include; socio-stigma, disputing a positive TB test, seeking alternative traditional treatment, beliefs in witchcraft, belief that TB is inherited from forefathers, religious beliefs, and buying incorrect drugs over the counter.
Conclusion: Health education on the causes and treatment of TB should be conducted intensively in Kwale County to help dispel socio-cultural myths and stigma associated with TB illness and treatment in the County.