Factors that contribute to treatment defaulting amongst tuberculosis patients in Windhoek District, Namibia

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the factors that contribute to treatment defaulting amongst Tuberculosis (TB) patients at a major health centre in Windhoek district, Namibia.
Methods: A descriptive and explorative qualitative study using in depth interviews was conducted among ten TB defaulters. Key informant interviews were also conducted with the two TB nurses based at the health centre. Eligible participants were purposively selected. A thematic content analysis of transcribed data was conducted.
Results: The study results indicate that defaulting TB treatment is a big challenge to TB management. The reasons for defaulting given by respondents were complex and included patient factors such as medication related factors, lack of knowledge and information as well as alcohol abuse. The findings also revealed unemployment as a major socio-economic factor that contributes to defaulting. In addition, the study shows that community, family, religious and cultural factors such as poor family support, work-related factors and religious and cultural beliefs have an influence on defaulting.
Conclusions: The study concludes that no single factor contributed to treatment defaulting amongst TB patients in the selected health centre in Windhoek district and this concurred with the literature.