tuberculosis-2017-posters-accepted-abstracts

Page 49

allied

academies

September 20-21, 2017 | Philadelphia, USA

Global summit on

TUBERCULOSIS AND LUNG DISEASE

Int J Respir Med 2017 Volume 2 Issue 2

Background:

Multidrug resistant TB (MDR-TB) caused by a strain of mycobacterium

tuberculosis which is resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin is a growing concern in

Uganda. To address the issue of costs of hospitalization and limited space, clinic-based

ambulatory care has been adopted. This study explored the challenges faced by MDR-

TB patients and health workers involved in clinic-based ambulatory care in Kampala,

Uganda.

Methods:

For this cross sectional study, we conducted 8 in-depth interviews among

MDR-TB patients and 9 key informant interviews among health workers involved in

providing clinic based ambulatory care. The focus was on the salient themes and

recurring points with respect to challenges faced by MDR-TB patients and health

workers. Thematic analysis was be conducted and contents of in-depth and key

informant interviews were then grouped according to themes and analyzed in an excel

sheet.

Results:

From the 8 in-depth interviews among MDR-TB patients, side effects of the

treatment, long duration and burden of the MDR-TB treatment, drug stock-outs,

feeding issues and cost of accessing treatment were cited as major challenges faced.

From the 9 key informant interviews, health workers reported non-adherence of MDR-

TB patients to MDR-TB drugs, drug stock-outs and limited space at the peripheral

facilities.

Conclusions:

Non-adherence among MDR-TB patients was a key challenge identified

by the health workers hence the number of counselling sessions should be increased.

There is need for the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program and Ministry of

Health to ensure an uninterrupted supply of quality-assured second-line drugs to avoid

drug stock-outs. For the Clinic-based ambulatory care approach to be effective, there’s

need to address the challenges reported in Uganda.

Challenges faced by MDR-TB patients and health workers involved in clinic-based ambulatory care in

Kampala Uganda, a cross sectional study

Stellah Namatovu

Makerere University, Uganda