Factors associated with tuberculosis treatment adherence among tuberculosis patients in the Kumasi metropolis in the Ashanti Region of Ghana; A cross-sectional study

AimAdherence to tuberculosis (TB) treatment options remain critical in achieving positive treatment outcomes and prevent the growing rates of multi-drug resistant infections. The study aims to determine the factors influencing adherence to TB treatment among TB patients.Subject and methodsFor this study, a cross-sectional design with a quantitative method was used. The study was conducted in the Kumasi metropolis in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A total of 185 patients living with tuberculosis disease participated in this study. The collected data were entered and cleaned using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26, and Stata v15 for analysis. Statistical testing such as; Pearson Chi-Square and multiple logistic regression analysis were computed and presented using tables.ResultsThe proportion of patients who adhered to TB treatment was 76.8%. Patient-level factors influencing adherence to TB treatment included adequate knowledge level on TB disease and treatment (aOR=5.32, p<0.05), substance use (aOR = 0.02, p<0.05), receiving financial and psychosocial support (aOR = 61.71; p value<0.01) and being very satisfied with support from family and social networks (aOR = 54.90, p<0.05). Among the health system factors assessed, patients' satisfaction with the conduct of health care providers influenced adherence (aOR=78.82, p<0.05).ConclusionAlthough adherence to TB treatment was good among TB patients in the metropolis, there are opportunities to improve the current adherence rates in order to increase positive treatment outcomes. TB patients should be encouraged before and during treatment to enhance adherence behaviours and prevent occurrence of multi-drug resistance to TB infections.