An evaluation of the isoniazid preventive therapy initiation in Limpopo province

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) initiation amongst eligible HIV positive patients at health facilities in the Polokwane subdistrict to identify key features in the knowledge and practice of health professionals as well as available resources at the health facilities. A quantitative non-experimental, descriptive, cross-sectional design was used to describe the practice of IPT initiation in health facilities. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with medical doctors, operational managers and registered nurses from the district’s 34 health care facilities. The census sample was 124. Data were captured and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24. The results showed that the health care professionals knew the policy and procedures for the implementation of IPT but lacked knowledge on patient screening. The findings further suggest that record keeping and data capturing was not implemented sufficiently. Resources at the facilities were found to be sufficient.