Determinants of adherence to tuberculosis treatment among clients with tuberculosis in Eswatini

Introduction: Adherence to treatment is an important factor for effective therapy and
\nlimiting the emergence of drug resistant tuberculosis. However, the prevalence of TB
\ncontinues to soar despite the available comprehensive treatment. The study
\ninvestigated determinants of adherence to TB treatment and the strategies to enhance
\nadherence to TB treatment were designed.
\nMethod: A quantitative descriptive design was used. Data were collected from TB
\nclients in two (2) government hospitals in Eswatini. There were 123 participants in the
\nstudy. Data were collected through individual interviews using an investigatordesigned
\nstructured questionnaire. The data were entered into the Statistical Package
\nof the Social Sciences (SPSS, version 20.0), analysed using descriptive and inferential
\nstatistics.
\nResults: The results revealed an association between educational level and
\nadherence to TB treatment (r = 0.184, p = 0.042). Sixty seven percent (67.5%, n=83)
\npreferred western treatment, and 32.5% (n=40) of the participants reported that they
\nused other types of treatment for ailments. The data also revealed that illness grants
\nwere not distributed to all TB clients. A 76.4%, (n=94) of the participants did not get
\nillness grants while on TB treatment, whereas, 23.6%, (n=29) received illness grants
\nfor being on TB treatment. The absence of illness grants is likely to impede adherence
\nto TB treatment. Receiving health education before initiation on treatment enhanced
\nadherence; where 88.6% (n=109) of the participants reported that they received
\ncounselling on adherence prior to initiation to TB treatment, and 11.4% (n=14) did not
\nget any counselling on adherence. An 80.5% (n=99) participants reported that they
\n
\nexperienced side effects while on TB medication. There was a relationship between
\nbarriers and adherence to TB treatment (r = -0.416, p = 0.001).
\nConclusion: The data showed that TB clients had challenges with adherence to
\ntreatment. Key strategies were developed to enhance adherence to TB treatment;
\nempower clients on effects and side effects of each TB drug; periodical evaluation of
\nclients for side-effects; strengthening of incentive policy for TB clients; and introduction
\nof a one stop centre for all TB clients.