Sharing tuberculosis medication as an expression of ubuntu among patients at a hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This paper examines the expression of Ubuntu as signified by patients who share tuberculosis medication amongst themselves in an endeavor to promote treatment adherence. This is a qualitative study that was conducted at an infectious diseases’ hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe. Purposive sampling was used to select study participants. Focus Group Discussions with (6-8) participants were conducted until the point of saturation was reached. Key informant interviews were also used for gathering data from the study participants. Results from this study show that the values of Ubuntu such as spiritual solidarity on brotherhood and/sisterhood, survival, and respect are highly expressed when patients share TB medication. The study concludes that no matter what the health experts and care service providers say and expect from patients in terms of medication behaviours, most patients are persuaded by the theory of Ubuntu to share medication with others. This paper recommends for health care service providers and medical social workers to take cognizant of the realities regarding sharing medication as common practice among patients and find ways of enhancing the practice with the aim of promoting treatment adherence and the spirit of Ubuntu/togetherness.

Key terms: sharing, lending, borrowing, Ubuntu, tuberculosis, treatment, Zimbabwe