Health system factors influencing TB drug adherence among patients aged 15 to 35 years attending health services at Entebbe regional referral hospital, Wakiso district.  A cross-sectional study.

Perpetua  Nabayigga; Tobius  Mutabazi; Hasifah Nansereko; Franscisco Ssemuwemba; Jane Frank  Nalubega

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2434

Authors

Perpetua Nabayigga Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences
Tobius Mutabazi Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences
Hasifah Nansereko Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences
Franscisco Ssemuwemba Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences
Jane Frank Nalubega Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2434

Keywords:

Anti-TB drug, Tuberculosis, TB treatment adherence, socio-demographic factors, health system factors, patient-related factors

Abstract

Background:

The study aimed to assess socio-demographic factors and explore health system-related factors influencing drug adherence among TB patients aged 15 to 35 years attending health services at Entebbe regional referral hospital, Wakiso district.

Methodology:

This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative design. A sample of 50 participants was determined using Barton’s formula and selected through simple random sampling over a 10-day period, with five respondents recruited daily. Data were collected using pretested semi-structured questionnaires administered by the researcher in both English and Luganda. Data were analyzed manually using tally sheets and Microsoft Excel to generate frequencies and charts. Ethical approval was obtained, informed consent secured, and confidentiality strictly maintained throughout the study.

Results:

Out of 50 participants, 45 were enrolled, yielding a 90% response rate. The mean age was 30 years, with most respondents aged 31 to 35 years (44.44%), followed by 26 to 30 years (26.67%), 21 to 25 years (17.78%), and 15 to 20 years (11.11%). Regarding health system factors, 55.56% traveled from distant islands of Buvuma and Kalangala, 28.89% from Entebbe and Mpigi districts, and 15.55% lived near the hospital. Missed appointments were reported by 77.78%, attributed to long waiting times, poor communication, rudeness of health workers, and drug stockouts. Among those missing refills, 85.71% used herbal remedies. Only 10 respondents received follow-up calls or counseling, while 35 (77.78%) reported no guidance, follow-up sputum testing, or support on drug adherence.

Conclusion:

Poor TB drug adherence was associated with socio-economic, social, and health system challenges.

Recommendation:

Communities should provide social support and encouragement to TB patients throughout their treatment period to improve adherence.

Author Biographies

Perpetua Nabayigga , Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

is a student pursuing a diploma in clinical medicine and community health at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

Tobius Mutabazi, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

Hasifah Nansereko, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

Franscisco Ssemuwemba, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

Jane Frank Nalubega, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

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