The impact of TB treatment interruption on the socio-economic situation of the family at Ba-Phalaborwa, Mopani District

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the socio-economic impact of interrupting TB treatment to the families of the TB sufferers and the reasons for patients interrupting treatment. The study was conducted at Mashishimale Village, Ba- Phalaborwa Municipality, Mopani District, Limpopo Province in South Africa. A sample of 35 tuberculosis patients and their family members was drawn from the Mashishimale population. The sample comprised of 17 (49%) males and 18 (51%) females. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the participants to complete. The questionnaire elicited demographic information; knowledge about TB, its causes, signs and symptoms, transmission, the reasons for interrupting treatment, and the patients’ coping and support structures. The findings of the study reported that 50% of TB patients are conversant with the signs, symptoms and mode of the spread of TB. However, 43% of the TB patients reported that there was a perception that TB patients are also HIV positive. A further 29% mentioned that there is stigma attached to TB disease. The lack of a Directly Observed Treatment Supporter, poverty and poor nutrition, side-effects of drugs, loss of disability grants, long clinic queues, and traditional healing were some of the reasons cited for the interruption of TB treatment. The interruption of TB treatment had an impact on the socio-economic situation of the family as they often relied on assistance from social grants, other family members and churches.