| dc.description.abstract | Introduction: Globally, tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading causes of death,
with healthcare workers (HCWs) at heightened risk due to occupational hazards.
Tuberculosis prevention therapy (TPT) for managing latent TB infection is increasingly
important worldwide and in Kenya, aligning with the WHO's vision of 'A world free of
TB' and Kenya's goal to eliminate tuberculosis by 2035. This study aimed to assess the
uptake and completion of TPT among HCWs in Nyandarua County, Kenya.
Methodology: Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches, the study
included a sample of 219 HCWs from various sub-counties and levels of health
facilities. Quantitative data were gathered through face-to-face interviews using a
pretested structured questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained from
keyinformant interviews with one county and four sub-county TB coordinators, as well
as in-depth interviews with five health facility managers. Statistical analyses included
the Chi-Square test and binary logistic regression, with a p-value <0.05 indicating
significance and the odds ratio used as the final measure of association. Thematic
analysis was used for qualitative data.
Results: Results showed that 74% of HCWs did not initiate TPT, though completion
was above average, with 80% finishing the therapy. Significant factors influencing TPT
uptake included health facility level (OR 28.4, 95% CI 2.7636-2.9120), awareness and
training (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.0188-0.1934), perceived TB risk (OR 7.2, 95% CI
1.14314.5088), department (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1055-4.0073), and having a co-worker
with TB (OR 0.2743, 95% CI 0.1418-0.5304). Factors significant for TPT completion
included awareness and training (OR 16.5, 95% CI 1.519-1.792) and mask-wearing
(OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.979-1.334).
Conclusion: The study concluded that uptake and completion of TPT could be
improved through capacity building and enhanced facility-level support, and
recommended that policymakers at all levels ensure adequate funding, emphasize TB
risk perception and reinforce protective measures to increase TPT completion rates. | en_US |
