Factors associated with health seeking behaviour of pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Butaleja District in Uganda

• Main Author: Mujasi, Paschal Nicholas
• Other Authors: Matlakala, M. C.
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: Butaleja district; Diagnosed Tuberculosis patients; Health-seeking behaviour; Pulmonary Tuberculosis; 616.995009761; Tuberculosis > Patiets > Uganda > Butaleja District; Health behavior > Uganda > Butaleja District
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10500/13063

Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant cause of morbidity in Uganda. TB control in the Ugandan district of Butaleja remains poor, characterised by TB case detection and cure rates below national targets. A qualitative exploratory and descriptive study was conducted to identify factors associated with health-seeking behaviour of TB patients in Butaleja district; with an aim to present recommendations for promoting positive health-seeking behaviour amongst the patients. Data was collected through individual in-depth interviews with seven diagnosed TB patients and analysed using Creswell’s (2009:186) analytic spiral steps. The findings revealed three major themes, namely; the nature of health-seeking behaviour, factors associated with the health-seeking behaviour and advice to others experiencing similar symptoms. The health-seeking behaviour of participants was generally poor, characterised by delay in seeking proper medical treatment for TB. Health system, individual and social factors contributed to poor health-seeking behaviour among the participants. The study recommends health system and community interventions targeted at individuals to improve health-seeking behaviour for Pulmonary TB === Health Studies === M.A. (Public Health)