Thesis Abstract

Tuberculosis is a problem of global importance among communicable diseases. It is second leading disease causing death worldwide killing nearly 2 million people each year in Nigeria. Non-compliance of patients on tuberculosis treatment in an irregular and unreliable way has greatly caused risk of treatment failure, relapse and the development of drug-resistance tuberculosis strains. There are varieties of reasons why patients fail to take their medications. The center for disease control (2008) states the following The patient’s complaint is that medicines must be taken with empty stomach to facilitate absorption. This can be difficult for patients to follow especially waking up an hour earlier than usual everyday just to take medicine on empty stomach. Another complains is the size of tablet. Side-effect of the drugs can lead to patients not complying with their treatment. Issues on denial, stigmatization, emotional distress, cultural and life-style factors make patients not to take their treatment. Poverty, transportation, religion and attitude of health workers contribute to non-compliance of patients on tuberculosis treatment. Non-compliance of patient on tuberculosis treatment is a serious problem for national tuberculosis control programs in states that this case tens to have higher morbidity and mortality rate compared with those who are not cured also they remain infections for prolonged period of time, hence affected patient continues to transmit the disease in the community.

Thesis Overview