BARRIERS AFFECTING TUBERCULOSIS TREATMENT ADHERENCE AMONG PATIENTS ON DIRECTLY OBSERVED TREATMENT SHORT-COURSE (DOTS) IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge, particularly in developing countries where poor treatment adherence contributes to ongoing transmission and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. This study assessed barriers influencing TB treatment adherence among patients receiving Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) services in Jalingo, Ardo-Kola, and Lau Local Government Areas of Taraba State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. From a target population of 736 registered TB patients, 359 respondents were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using frequencies, percentages, and Chi-square statistics. Findings showed high awareness of TB treatment protocols (76.9%–86.9%). However, socioeconomic barriers (75.3%–81.6%), including poor nutrition, transportation costs, distance to clinics, and work-related challenges, significantly affected adherence. Patient-related barriers (59.6%–84.1%) included treatment fatigue, drug side effects, stigma, forgetfulness, and psychological distress. Health system barriers (58.5%–83.8%), such as long waiting times, inadequate staffing, overcrowding, poor communication, and drug stock-outs, also influenced adherence. The study concluded that TB treatment adherence is affected by multiple interrelated socioeconomic, patient, and health system factors. It recommends strengthening continuous health education and counseling in DOTS clinics to improve treatment adherence.