Factors influencing low case detection rate of pulmonary tuberculosis in Kyegegwa Sub-County, Kyegegwa District Western Uganda

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Date
2017-07
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Kampala International University, School of Allied Health Sciences
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the factors influencing low case detection rate of pulmonary tuberculosis in Kyegegwa Sub-county Kyegegwa district western Uganda. Specific Objectives:The study aimed at assessing knowledge of the Health workers about diagnosis of pulmonary Tuberculosis, whether Kyegegwa has enough materials and equipment for diagnosing PTB and patients’accessibility to PTB health services. Methods: A descriptive crosssectional study design was used and 50 health workers were assed and 100 PTB clients using a structured questionnaire to collect the data. Results: The findings of this study revealed that general awareness about pulmonary tuberculosis was high among the respondents as 74% were able to give the correct definition of pulmonary tuberculosis and 96% knew that pulmonary tuberculosis is diagnosed by performing two sputum smears for AFBS supported by the clinical history of the patient, 98% of respondents were able to explain the right procedure.The study also revealed that shortage of equipment and materials for pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis were implicated as the cause of low case detection rate of pulmonary tuberculosis in Kyegegwa Sub-county as 71.4% said that they do not have enough equipment and materials while 28.6% said that they do have. Conclusion: From the study, it was concluded that the low case detection rate of pulmonary tuberculosis was due to lack of materials and enough equipment for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis and also some delay in the patients receiving their services as this promotes a rapid spread even to the non-infected. Recommendations: The researcher therefore recommends that the ministry of health and other stakeholders should ensure that equipment and materials for pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis are available at all times. Continuous Professional Development (CPDs) should be emphasized to all health workers. 20% of the clients reported that they had been delayed for a longer time, the researcher therefore recommends that health workers salaries be increased and there be identification of better performing health workers in all aspects including time keeping and be rewarded at the end of every month as a way of motivation and improve workers competence at work. In addition more health workers should be recruited so as to reduce on the Doctor patient ratio.
Description
A research report submitted to the School Of Allied Health Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Community Health of Kampala International University
Keywords
Pulmonary tuberculosis, Kyegegwa Sub-County, Kyegegwa District, Western Uganda
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