Publications

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the biggest public health problem and now ranks alongsideHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as the world’s leading infectious cause of death.Globally, patient compliance with anti-TB therapy estimated as low as 40% in developingcountries, remains the principle cause of treatment failure. The aim of this study was toestablish the factors contributing to treatment default by Tuberculosis patients at ART clinicin Ishaka Adventist Hospital, Bushenyi District. A cross-sectional and descriptive study whichemployed both qualitative and quantitative approach of data collection were used. The studywas conducted in ART clinic at Ishaka Adventist Hospital, Bushenyi District and it took aperiod of four weeks. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the studyparticipants. Results showed that out of 38 study participants, majority 26 (68%) were of age30 years and above. A large proportion 24 (63%) of the participants were unemployedcompared to the least 14 (37%) who were employed. Majority 21 (55%) travel at a distance of10km and above to get TB treatment. Out of 38 participants, majority 26 (68%) did notinformed the family or friends when they were on TB treatment. Of 26 participants 16 (61.5%)had fear of being isolated and 2 (7.7%) were other reason of no support. A large proportionof participants rated the attitude of staff who attended to them at the health facility to beunfriendly with 21 (55%) while very few 6 (16%) were rude. The ministry should ensure availability of and access to resources for strengthening systems for delivery of quality tuberculosis treatment, prevention and control.