Patients Understanding of their Tuberculosis (TB) Medications and their Awareness of Lifestyle Modifications for Post TB Living

Medicine’s availability, understanding their administration and radiational use are critical in drug therapeutic outcomes. Advancement in science has led to understanding of the etiology of several disease conditions, yet challenges remain due to patients’ non-adherence to prescribed treatment (14). The purpose of this study was to assess patient’s knowledge and understanding of their TB medications and their awareness of lifestyle modifications to adapt for post TB living. The study also assessed common factors affecting TB patients. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. The study population consisted of 250 diagnosed TB patients attending the Clinic who were systematically selected. An Interviewer administered questionnaire with REDCAP was used to collect data, organized using Excel spreadsheet software and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Logistic regression was used to establish significance. Results: 63.2% (n=158) were males and 36.8% (n=92) were females with a 100% response rate. 62.8% (n=157) have pulmonary TB, 35.2% (n=88) Extra PTB whiles 2.0% (n=5) MDR-TB. 9.2% (n=23) of patients are aware that TB could reduce their sexual function. Only 20.4% (n=51) knew their medications and 2.7% (n=18) aware of lifestyle changes to adapt post treatment for an improved Quality of Life. 86.4% (n=216) out of the 250 patients received immediate care. Logistic regression showed that Odds ratio at 95% confident interval of the potential predictors were insignificant except age and marital status. Since less than 50% knew their medicines and lifestyle changes to adapt pharmacists and prescribers need to improve on patient education and counselling.