Support and unmet needs of patients undergoing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment in southern Nigeria

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is presently a major public health threat. MDR-TB patients face diverse financial and psychosocial difficulties. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews based on interview guides with 42 participants. Data were analyzed using categorization, coding, generation of themes, and thematic memo writing. The key findings were as follows: Out of the 42 patients, 30 (71.4%) were males and 12 (28.6%) were females. All patients received financial stipends for transport and monthly social support. The patients however needed more financial support than they received (suggesting high unmet financial needs). Patients suffered depressive mood before and during treatment but received inadequate mental health/psychosocial care and treatment. Patients developed hearing impairment as a major adverse drug reaction, but the care and treatment they received were inadequate. In conclusion, the programmatic support provided for MDR-TB patients' financial and mental health/psychosocial needs and auditory drug side effects fell short of their need. Programmes for control of MDR-TB should increase budgetary allocations and ramp up mechanisms for provision of mental health/psychosocial support and care/treatment for drug side effects.