Determinants of Non-Adherence to Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment in a Public Primary Healthcare in South Africa: Improving the Quality of Long-Term Care

Background: Non-adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment remains a major obstacle to lowering tuberculosis treatment success rates and enhancing healthcare expenses. The aim of this study was to identify determinants contributing to non-adherents to anti-tuberculosis treatment in a public primary healthcare clinic in South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to collect data from 65 participants using face-to-face interviews from a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS to obtain descriptives for frequency and proportions, and Pearson Chi-Square test to determine factors associated with non-adherents to anti-tuberculosis treatment. The value of P< 0.050 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of 65 interviewed, 41(63.08%) were males and 24(36.92%) females. Majority 26(40.00%) were in age-range of 26-35, 53(81.53%) were singles, 53(81.53%) with high-School level of education, 35(53.85%) unemployed and 35(53.85%) HIV-status of Sero negative. Adherents were 45(69.23%) and 20(30.77%) non-adherents. Gender was major predictor to non-adherence with males committed to treatment than females with a significant association (X2 = 65.00 and P of < .001). Conclusion: Major contributing factors to non-adherents were long distance to clinics, long-waiting times at clinics, no support from clinic-staff and family, drug-shortage, adverse-effects, and unemployment. Comprehensive programs addressing these multifactorial factors are needed for successful treatment and eradication of tuberculosis.