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A Tuberculosis Molecular Bacterial Load Assay (TB-MBLA)
Published on: April 30, 2020
Experiences of a community-based tuberculosis treatment programme in Namibia: a comparative cohort study
Zimbisayi Zvavamwe1, Valerie J Ehlers
1Oxfam Canada, Namibia Office, Windhoek, Namibia.
International Journal of Nursing Studies
|November 11, 2008
Summary
Community-based tuberculosis (TB) care in Namibia showed higher cure rates compared to standard clinic treatment. Patients preferred community-based care for its convenience, despite some supply challenges.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant health issue in Africa, often leading to multi-drug resistant TB (MDR TB) due to poor treatment adherence.
- A community-based TB treatment program was implemented in Namibia's Omaheke region to address these challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare TB treatment outcomes between community-based and standard clinic/self-administered treatment.
- To identify patient-perceived advantages and disadvantages of community-based TB care.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental study design was employed in Namibia's Omaheke region.
- 332 TB patients participated in a prospective cohort study with follow-up visits and checklists.
- 101 patients who completed community-based treatment underwent structured exit interviews.
Main Results:
- Community-based TB care demonstrated a statistically significant higher cure rate (RR=1.35, p=0.05).
- Patients reported advantages such as continuing daily activities and saving time/money.
- Disadvantages included drug supply stockouts, lack of food, and insufficient rest due to chores.
Conclusions:
- Community-based TB treatment was associated with better cure rates than clinic-based options.
- While causality is not proven, patient-reported advantages of community-based care generally outweighed disadvantages.
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