Factors influencing tuberculosis management in rural south-west Kenya.
METHODS
The Abagusii people in rural south-west Kenya.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate tuberculosis (TB) treatment pathways and factors associated with treatment-seeking behaviour.


METHODS
Quantitative data were obtained using a structured questionnaire administered to 100 household heads, while qualitative data were obtained from three focus group discussions (FGDs), six key informant interviews and seven case histories that focused on experiences of TB.


RESULTS
Data reveal that patients follow oscillatory pathways in treatment seeking. Treatment-seeking behaviour is influenced by socio-structural and superstructural forces such as beliefs and perceptions regarding treatment and disease-causing factors.


CONCLUSIONS
To improve TB treatment, these socio-structural and superstructural factors should be addressed.
Mochache
L N
LN
Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
Nyamongo
Isaac K
IK
D000328:Adult; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population; D012648:Self Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*
D000995:Antitubercular Agents