| dc.description.abstract | Background:
The prevalence of tuberculosis is still a major health problem that has been a major cause of ill health and deaths in Uganda. Moreover it was reported that, most of tuberculosis patients being diagnosed and started on treatment were detected late in the natural history of the disease.
General objective: The objective of the study was to determine factors associated with the prevalence of tuberculosis among patients seeking treatment in Mayuge District.
Methods:
The research used a cross sectional study design employing quantitative approach for data collection.
Results:
A total of 185 all PTB patients were interviewed at two selected health facilities, in Mayuge District. All selected patients were tested sputum smear-positive for tuberculosis, giving an overall prevalence of (68%), and new TB cases of (32%) to all patients who had not started TB treatment while 38% of all patients interviewed had tested HIV positive. There were 82 (44.32%) in St. Francis Hospital and 103 (55.68%) in Mayuge Health Center III; Males to female distribution was116 (62.7%) and 69 (37.3%) respectively. One quarter had never attended school, and the almost have of the respondents lives below poverty line covered longer distances to health center. The Pearson Chi-Square test results showed relationship of socio-economic factors; living conditions and behavioral factors was significantly associated with the prevalence of tuberculosis (P=0.000). Recognition of signs and symptoms of TB and the period taken to seek medical care was also associated with the prevalence of TB, (P=.000).
Conclusion: In areas with high prevalence rates of tuberculosis: lack of awareness and health seeking behaviors of TB patients were highly associated with the prevalence of tuberculosis. There is an agent need to educate the communities on the stigma and the symptoms of tuberculosis as well as community sensitization on seeking appropriate health care. | en_US |
