Abstract:
Background: The body of literature suggests that a range of socio-cultural health care system and communication-educational factors influence patient care seeking and adherence behavior. On the basis of the existing knowledge at the time of our study, we did not find such type of Researchers conducted in Adama city administration. In line to this, we found it important to explore more to understand the barriers and enablers encountered by TB patients when seeking health care.
Objectives: The main objective of this study is to explore enablers and barriers in the management of TB treatment in Adama town, Ethiopia.
Methods: Qualitative data collection methods using key informant interview with health care providers and in-depth interview with TB patients were used to collect data from purposely-selected study participants. The field data collection was conducted from January 22 to February 2, 2015. The PI with the assistance of two research assistants collected data using Interview guides. The data were transcribed and analysed thematically. Data analysis was done using computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (open code). Transcripts were coded using a provisional coding list that was developed from the guidelines and those that were emerged during data collection. Codes were then revised through an interactive process of reading, rereading the transcripts.
Result: the study found that Tuberculosis management is going well programmatically enables trained human resource, Availability of national guideline, access to supply, recognition of service, community and family support. However Lack of knowledge about Tuberculosis disease by patient, delayed diagnosis by health worker and patient, low case detection, are found as the main barriers
Conclusion and recommendation: As the result of our research showed the Tuberculosis treatment management is related particularly with personal factors of the patient knowledge about the disease and the health institutions providing the Tuberculosis service, attention should be given to improve the awareness of the community about tuberculosis symptoms, early identification of cases and improve patient health care seeking behavior.
........................................ Thesis available at ACIPH Library