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Open Access Integrating socio-economic support into drug-resistant TB care to optimise treatment outcomes

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Authors: Limo, J. 1 ; Pahe, C. 1 ; Kathure, I. 2 ; Ndungu, L. 1 ; Mahihu, A. 1 ; Mwashumbe, C. 3 ; Mueni, E. 4 ; Momanyi, H. 1 ; 

Source: IJTLD OPEN, Volume 2, Number 1, 1 January 2025, pp. 33-38(6)

Publisher: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5588/ijtldopen.24.0534

This article is Open Access under the terms of the Creative Commons CC BY licence.

BACKGROUND

Drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) remains a public health concern in Kenya, with an estimated 2,500 individuals acquiring DR-TB annually. Despite significant progress in DR-TB management, the treatment success rate (TSR) in 2021 stood at 77%, falling short of the 85% target. This low TSR occurs amidst a complex range of treatment challenges, including psychosocial factors. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of integrating psychosocial and economic empowerment interventions into standard DR-TB care.METHODS

A convergent mixed-method approach was employed, involving interviews with 217 participants, including persons with DR-TB and key stakeholders, using a structured questionnaire. The study was conducted in Kenya’s two highest DR-TB burden counties between October and November 2023.RESULTS

The study found that 55% of respondents experienced psychological depression during treatment, with financial constraints identified as the primary trigger (70.6%). Only 49% of persons with DR-TB joined psychosocial support groups, and of these, 90% demonstrated improved treatment adherence. Additionally, individuals with DR-TB who participated in income-generating activities had a treatment adherence rate of 95%, compared to 88% among those not engaged in such activities.CONCLUSION

Patient-centred approaches involving socio-economic support systems are crucial in addressing treatment adherence barriers, thereby leading to improved treatment outcomes.

Keywords: adherence; mental health; person-centred care

Document Type: Research Article

Affiliations: 1: Population Services Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; 2: National Tuberculosis Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; 3: Mombasa County Government, Mombasa, Kenya; 4: Nairobi County Government, Nairobi, Kenya.

Publication date: January 1, 2025

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