Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Back ground: Tuberculosis rates in the world remain high, especially in low- and middleincome countries including Ethiopia. International tuberculosis policy generally recommends the
use of directly observed treatment short course to ensure treatment adherence. Even though the
country adopted it in the early nineties, its’proper implementation is questionable. An
understanding of perceptions of tuberculosis patients to this strategy,directly observed treatment
short-course, is important to tuberculosis control programs.
Objectives:The aim of the study is to explore tuberculosis patients’ perceptions to directly
observed treatment short course in Bahirdar, Ethiopia.
Design: This qualitative study was conducted in Bahirdar, Ethiopia. In depth interviews and
focus group discussions were conducted with patients attending directly observed treatment short
course, health providers and health manager who were involved in the delivery of directly
observed treatment short course in the public sectors in Bahirdar.Data were analyzed using open
code software and qualitative content analysis.
Results:Tuberculosis patients attending directly observed treatment short course (DOTS), health
professionals and health manager predominantly focused on the negative aspects of the
intervention because of different reasons such as its socioeconomic impact, its effect on school
attendance and lack of health staff support.
Conclusion and recommendations:The overwhelmingly negative perception of patients
towards directly observed treatment short course makes it a worrisome issue. DOTS facilities
should improve waiting time and ensure professional ethical practice. This should be
compounded withdecentralization of the service in the community through community based
DOTS. Further research to develop strategies tailored to the local context is needed.
