Factors associated with completion of 6 months of isoniazid preventive therapy among under-five children exposed to tuberculosis patients in Blantyre, Malawi.
IF 1.3 Q4 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: The World Health Organization recommends 6 months of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) to children who have been exposed to tuberculosis (TB) patients to prevent active TB. Although IPT is an efficacious intervention, it is underutilised.
Aim: The aim of this study was to examine factors associated with the completion of IPT among children under 5 years who have been exposed to TB patients.
Setting: This was a secondary data analysis; the primary study was conducted in Blantyre, Malawi.
Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial with follow-up at 3 months and 6 months. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with the completion of IPT.
Results: One hundred and twenty-eight children were included, of whom 58 (45.3%) completed IPT. Index patient human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive status (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16-0.94) and longer distance (> 5 km) (aOR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.07-0.89) were associated with lower IPT completion. Wealth status, household health-seeking decision maker and type of contact tracing were associated with higher IPT completion, with aOR = 3.42 (95% CI: 1.19-9.88) for children coming from households of high wealth status, aOR = 3.17 (95% CI: 1.19-8.42) in which the health-seeking decision maker was the parent compared to other guardians, and aOR = 3.13 (95% CI: 1.25-7.84) for children who were identified through patient-conducted tracing compared to routine contact tracing.
Conclusion: Human immunodeficiency virus status, wealth status, household health-seeking decision maker, proximity to health facility and type of contact tracing are key determinants of IPT completion among children.
Contribution: This study provides valuable insights into the factors that affect the completion of IPT. By addressing these factors, completion of IPT can be improved, thereby preventing TB among children.
期刊介绍：
The Journal of Public Health in Africa (JPHiA) is a peer-reviewed, academic journal that focuses on health issues in the African continent. The journal editors seek high quality original articles on public health related issues, reviews, comments and more. The aim of the journal is to move public health discourse from the background to the forefront. The success of Africa’s struggle against disease depends on public health approaches.
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