PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF TUBERCULOSIS AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING ARUA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, ARUA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Purpose of the study

 It was for the prevalence and risk factors of tuberculosis among patients attending to Arua Regional Referral Hospital, Arua district.

 The specific objectives

To establish the prevalence of Tuberculosis among patients seen at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, individual risk factors of tuberculosis infection among patients attending Arua Regional Referral Hospital, and health facility-related factors for tuberculosis among patients attending Arua Regional Referral Hospital, Arua District.

 Methodology

A cross-sectional study design was carried out on a sample size of 50 respondents with a simple random technique. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires with closed and open-ended questions; data was later analyzed using tally sheets, computed into frequency and percentages using the Microsoft Excel computer program with illustrated figures (bar and pie charts) and tables for easier interpretation.

 Results

The overall results revealed that 68% had no active tuberculosis, and 76% had suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis.

In addition to that, the general results from individual risk factors associated with pulmonary tuberculosis revealed that 40% said yes to alcohol being the major risk factor of tuberculosis, majority 48% said yes to having HIV/AIDS patients are at risk of acquiring tuberculosis. However, for health facilities related to risk factors of Tuberculosis, 96% have never heard about tuberculosis. Majority 42% from radio sources, and the majority 52% preferred avoiding smoking to prevent the acquisition of tuberculosis.

 Conclusion

Even though the prevalence and risk factors of tuberculosis among patients attending Arua Regional Referral Hospital, were fairly satisfactory, poor prevention methods could impose a significant impact on the development of tuberculosis.

 Recommendations

It encourages proper sensitization and awareness of the community or the entire public, about TB, its effects & prevention strategies. Counseling services should be offered in health units and churches or mosques to help those affected families.