Treatment interruption in tuberculosis patients in a district of Namibia

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the factors associated with the interruption of tuberculosis treatment in the Swakopmund district of Namibia. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered by interviewers. The population consisted of both treatment interrupters and non-interrupters. The total sample was 143 respondents. The findings revealed that three factors were significantly associated with TB treatment interruption, namely a lack of formal education (p = 0.032), lack of access to media (p = 0.017), and clinic opening times (p = 0.000). Recommendations made include improving the support given to TB patients, increasing their understanding of TB and adopting new research and technology.