Factors responsible for the high default rate of tuberculosis patients paticipating in direct observed treatment short course

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the factors contributing to high default of DOTS implementation in the Kwaebibrim district of Ghana. A quantitative, descriptive study was conducted to determine personal, health service, community and treatment factors contributing to high default of DOTS implementation in the district. Data collection was done using a structured questionnaire. Purposive sampling was done. The sample comprised of one hundred and thirty TB patients who were on DOTS implementation at the district chest clinic. The study highlighted TB patients’ knowledge about TB, socio-economic characteristics, organisation of care as well as community perceptions about the disease. The findings revealed that default to treatment is a complex behavioural issue involving multiple factors, an interaction of personal, social and health care factors as well as side effects of medication and duration of treatment. It is therefore recommended that interventions to prevent default of DOTS implementation should be designed with these factors in mind.