A Qualitative Study Of The Reasons Why Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients, At Clinics In The Wellington Area, Stop Their Treatment

Abstract

Background The objective of the study was to explore and describe some of the reasons why TB patients in Wellington drop out of the treatment program in order to recommend solutions and to improve understanding of fears and feelings of patients. Design A descriptive qualitative study. Setting Drakenstein Municipal District, Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa. Methods Free attitude interviews were conducted with six non-adherent patients from Van Wyksvlei, a sub economic area. The exploratory question was ‘Which circumstances resulted in your interruption of your treatment?��? Patients’ responses were recorded and transcribed. Analysis was done to identify common themes. Results The major themes were priorities, motivation and support. Priorities imply definite choices the TB patient has to make from the day the diagnosis is made. The patients are poorly equipped with decision making and coping skills. A lack of motivation, resulted from improvement of symptoms on medication, group pressure, poor self-esteem, distance from clinic and lack of continuity of care. The support theme centred on lack of support from both family and community. Conclusions Patients should not carry primary responsibility for their adherence, but be part of a team. If TB treatment is to be optimised, patient cooperation and information need to be addressed, as it is essential to success. Existing services need to be made more accessible and acceptable. Additional effort for community education is needed.