Abstract
This research was conducted in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja of Nigeria and aimed at discovering areas of support needs required by TB patients from Treatment Supporters (TS), from the perspectives of TB patients, as compared to what the managers of TB program consider as ideal support. Here, qualitative design using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), In-depth Interview (IDI) and Key Informant Interview (KII) were used. From the study, TB patients expressed their support needs while on treatment as follows: (1) monitoring and supervision of daily drug in-take, (2) motivational support to take the drugs as expected, (3) provision of support for feeding (when there is no food or means of eating), and (4) support for provision of transportation cost to visit TB clinic when the need arises. The study thus revealed that left on their own, TB patients may not be committed to taking their drugs and complete their treatment regimen, if any of these supports is lacking while on treatment. Patients with Treatment Supporters who were offered these supports, tend to complete their treatment regimen and not likely to default. Key words: Tuberculosis, TB patients, supports needs.
Highlights
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem, responsible for ill health among millions of people each year
Data generated from this study revealed general low level of awareness and knowledge about TB among Treatment Supporters, health care workers and TB patients in Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) centers and TB patients
Most patients admitted that they never knew they had the disease until they were enrolled for treatment in a DOTS facility
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem, responsible for ill health among millions of people each year. An important mandate of Community Tuberculosis Care (CTBC) program in Nigeria is demand creation for TB services through health education, social mobilization and awareness via trained individuals and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) involved in TB control at the community level. This is expected to translate into early TB detection, referral and treatment, aimed to improve community support to TB patients through implementation of Treatment Supporters’ concept and other community support structures which include TB clubs in schools
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