Contributing Factors of Tuberculosis Infection among Adult Men in Mwea-West, Kirinyaga County

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge with a disproportionate burden on adult men. It is the second leading global mortality cause with a larger proportion of adult male cases. The study’s main objective was to determine the contributing factors of tuberculosis infection among adult men in Mwea-west, Kirinyaga County. A descriptive survey of 25 Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients was carried out at Mutithi health center in Mwea-west. Quantitative methods were employed in data collection using structured questionnaires administered to 25 sampled adult male TB patients. Data was analysed using Microsoft Excel employing both descriptive and inferential statistics at a Z-score of 1.96, confidence level of 0.95 and a statistical significance set at 0.05. Analysis was done using frequencies, percentages and presented in tables and charts. The study established that socioeconomic factors contributed to the robust TB cases among adult men by determining their capability to counter the disease. Behavioural practices were also key in contributing to the high TB cases among adult men. The study further established that comorbidities and Health Seeking Behaviour had more weight in contributing to TB among adult men. It was concluded that socioeconomic factors, Behavioural factors and comorbidities and Health Seeking Behaviour significantly contributed to TB among adult men in Mwea-west, Kirinyaga County. There is need to establish uninterrupted programs at the county level focused on improving men’s socioeconomic status. There should be infrastructural investment in public health facilities and fostered partnership with the private health facilities for quality healthcare delivery. There should also be coordination with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to conduct health promotion services, health education on TB and TB anti-stigma campaigns. Furthermore, regular TB surveillance should be conducted and reports disseminated for action to be taken alongside capacity-building of local healthcare workers.