Health worker views on pre-treatment loss to follow-up in adults with pulmonary TB in Western Kenya.

ABSTRACT:

Setting

County referral hospital in Western Kenya.

Objectives

To explore factors contributing to pre-treatment loss to follow-up (PTLFU) in adults with pulmonary TB and propose solutions to address PTLFU from healthcare worker (HCW) perspectives.

Design

This was an exploratory qualitative study using thematic analysis.

Results

We conducted 19 key informant interviews with HCWs representing laboratory, clinical care, management and the community. Participant age ranged from 26 to 62 years; 14 (74%) were females; and most (74%) had worked in TB care for ⩽5 years. They reported that patients experienced stigma and had misconceptions about TB that contributed to PTLFU. HCWs were hesitant to work in the TB clinic, which contributed to suboptimal patient care, leadin

SUBMITTER: Mulaku MN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10446661 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature