FACTORS AFFECTING TUBERCULOSIS TREATMENT ADHERENCE AMONG PATIENTS AT NYAMIRA COUNTY HOSPITALS: A SYSTEMATIC LITRATURE REVIEW

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health problem in Kenya. Patient's compliance and completion of the recommended treatment are the most important factors in determining the success of TB treatment. But there are several patient, socio-economic and health system factors that can affect treatment compliance. It is very important to understand these factors to enhance treatment results and to minimize drug resistance and transmission of TB.
Objectives: The aim of the SLR was to explore the factors that affect good adherence to TB treatment in Nyamira County hospitals, Kenya.
Methods: Systematic literature search was performed in electronic databases, such as PubMed, Google scholar, science direct and research gate. The keywords and Boolean operators (AND, OR) were used to find the relevant studies. Studies published in English which reported on factors influencing adherence to TB therapy were included. Studies not included in the criteria, duplicate studies and papers not relevant to the study were excluded. The data was extracted and tabulated based on themes that emerged from the review.
Results: Literature reviewed showed that there are many factors affecting adherence to TB treatment. Patient-related factors involved were lack of knowledge about TB, forgetfulness and fear of side effects, and attitudes towards treatment. Socioeconomic factors included poverty, unemployment, transport costs, stigma and social support. Health-system factors were counselling, follow-up, providers' attitudes, access to TB medicines, distance to health facilities, and long waiting times. These can be beneficial or detrimental to a patient's treatment adherence.
Conclusion: Factors influencing TB treatment adherence: patient, socioeconomic and health system factors. Improving health education, counselling, social support, follow up and availability of TB services in Nyamira could help increase TB treatment adherence.