Abstract:
Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease accounting for a high number of deaths in
the developing countries; it is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis
control can be effectively achieved if individuals with the disease receive adequate and
timely treatment. The duration in which a tuberculosis case remains infectious is of
crucial importance with regard to the risk of exposure to the general population. The
objective of this study was to investigate factors that contribute to late presentation of
patients to TB management facilities. A cross sectional study was conducted on
patients aged 18 years and above attending TB clinics in Dagoretti District, Nairobi
Kenya. A total of 426 TB suspects were interviewed. Seeking medical care three
weeks after onset of symptoms was considered as late presentation. Eight facilities
were included in the study, which were those facilities with a well-functioning
laboratory for performing acid fast microscopy. Out of the 426 tuberculosis suspects,
248 (58.2%) suspects had delayed in seeking medical care. After multivariate logistic
regression, male gender (P=0,019, OR=1.6), level of education (Primary 5 to 8)
(P=0.029, OR=1.26) and seeking over the counter drugs as a first resort after onset of
symptoms (P= 0.01 OR=1.27), were found to be significantly associated with delay.
The study concluded that male gender, having a level of education of primary 5 to 8
and the first place of medical care after onset of symptoms being over the counter
drugs were all significantly associated with late presentation. Findings from this study
should be used by policy makers in order to come up with ways to educate the public
on the effects of delayed diagnosis on disease prognosis and course of treatment.
