Factors Contributing to the Emergence of DR TB in the Northern Cape Province and the Cost of Treatment

Globally, Tuberculosis (TB) burden is quite substantial and a big concern. In recent years, particularly Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (DR TB) has cut many lives short and become a growing threat in many developing countries. South Africa, despite government’s comprehensive TB treatment care and support, has an increasing number of new DR TB cases. This study aimed at describing factors contributing to the emergence of DR TB in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa. A cross-sectional, descriptive study design was used on purposively selected DR TB patients who were on treatment in the West End and Dr Harry Surtie Regional Hospitals between 01 October 2014 and 31 December 2015. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to gather information from research respondents. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare risk factors related with the emergence of DR TB cases. Out of the 156 DR TB patients, close to one-third (36%) were previous treatment defaulters, while the majority (64%) were newly infected. Average treatment costs per patient at public health facility is about R190,000 (14,179 USD). The logistic regression analysis shows that respondents’ residence (OR=0.13; PV = 0.002); client happiness to take medicine (OR = 0.29; PV = 0.021); alcohol consumption (OR = 0.15; PV= 0.036); missed treatment practices (OR = 0.59; PV=0.000); and TB disease information (OR = 0.26; PV= 0.009) are significantly contributed to default of treatment at 5% level of significance, and 95% of confidence intervals. All-inclusive approach is required to effectively tackle several risk factors for emergence of DR TB in a cost-effective ways and reduce the number of TB treatment defaulters.