Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the biggest public health problem and now ranks alongside
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as the world’s leading infectious cause of death.
Globally, patient compliance with anti-TB therapy estimated as low as 40% in developing
countries, remains the principle cause of treatment failure. The aim of this study was to
establish the factors contributing to treatment default by Tuberculosis patients at ART clinic
in Ishaka Adventist Hospital, Bushenyi District. A cross-sectional and descriptive study which
employed both qualitative and quantitative approach of data collection were used. The study
was conducted in ART clinic at Ishaka Adventist Hospital, Bushenyi District and it took a
period of four weeks. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the study
participants. Results showed that out of 38 study participants, majority 26 (68%) were of age
30 years and above. A large proportion 24 (63%) of the participants were unemployed
compared to the least 14 (37%) who were employed. Majority 21 (55%) travel at a distance of
10km and above to get TB treatment. Out of 38 participants, majority 26 (68%) did not
informed the family or friends when they were on TB treatment. Of 26 participants 16 (61.5%)
had fear of being isolated and 2 (7.7%) were other reason of no support. A large proportion
of participants rated the attitude of staff who attended to them at the health facility to be
unfriendly with 21 (55%) while very few 6 (16%) were rude. The ministry should ensure availability of and access to resources for strengthening systems for delivery of quality tuberculosis treatment, prevention and control.