TUBERCULOSIS TREATMENT-DEFAULT AND IT'S IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH EDUCATION AMONG PATIENTS IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study examined Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment-Default and its Implications for Health Education among patients in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the persistent challenge of treatment default among TB patients and the need to strengthen health education and treatment-support strategies. Specifically, the study sought to determine the proportion of TB patients who defaulted from treatment, describe the distribution of selected socio-demographic, socioeconomic, programmatic, and TB-related knowledge, attitudes and beliefs factors among patients who defaulted, and assess the content, frequency, timing, duration, and methods of delivery of health education provided to TB patients. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to patients in selected TB treatment facilities in Rivers State. Total valid sum of 83 questionnaires were considered valid and used for analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistic tools, principally frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that visiting treatment facilities was very difficult. gaps were observed in reporting drug side effects, regular clinic attendance, and beliefs concerning the use of traditional remedies as a substitute for prescribed treatment. Health education was commonly provided on the nature and duration of TB treatment; however, education on drug side effects and their management was less frequently reported. The study concluded that treatment default remained a considerable challenge among respondents in the selected facilities. It recommended continuous, patient-centred health education, improved counselling on medication side effects, strengthened follow-up systems, and practical measures to address transportation and other access-related barriers to treatment completion.