Knowledge of LTBI policy and knowledge, attitude and perception as determinants of tuberculosis preventive therapy uptake among healthcare workers in Nairobi city county, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261753Keywords:
Tuberculosis preventive therapy, Latent TB infection, Healthcare workers, Knowledge, Attitude, PerceptionAbstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major occupational risk among healthcare workers (HCWs), with latent TB infection (LTBI) serving as a reservoir for future active disease. Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy (TPT) is an effective strategy to reduce this risk; however, uptake among HCWs remains suboptimal. This study examined the association between knowledge of the LTBI policy, general knowledge of TPT, and personal attitude and perception factors with willingness to uptake TPT among HCWs in Nairobi City County, Kenya.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs in selected health facilities in Nairobi City County. Data was collected using structured questionnaires assessing knowledge of the LTBI policy, knowledge of TPT, attitudes and perceptions toward TPT, and willingness to uptake therapy. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with TPT uptake.
Results: A total of 288 HCWs participated, of whom 60% were female. Nurses constituted 45% of respondents, and 62% reported awareness of the LTBI policy. Knowledge of the LTBI policy was significantly associated with TPT uptake (p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, knowledge of TPT was a strong predictor of uptake (OR>3, p=0.001). Pharmaceutical technologists and HCWs in other professions had significantly lower odds of uptake compared to clinician. Attitude and perception were not independently associated with uptake.
Conclusions: Knowledge of the LTBI policy is a key determinant of TPT uptake among HCWs. Strengthening policy dissemination and addressing profession-specific barriers may improve TPT uptake in healthcare settings.
References
Global Tuberculosis Report 2023. World Health Organization. 2023. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240083851. Accessed on 13 January 2026.
Republic of Kenya ministry of health primary health care network guidelines. 2021. Available at: https://www.health.go.ke/. Accessed on 13 January 2026.
Alsdurf H, Hill PC, Matteelli A, Getahun H, Menzies D. The cascade of care in diagnosis and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Infect Dis. 2016;16(11):1269-78.
Van de Water B, Wilson M, le Roux K, Gaunt B, Gimbel S, Ware N. Healthcare worker knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding tuberculosis preventive therapy in rural South Africa: A content analysis using the consolidated framework for implementation research. Res Sq. Published online. 2023.
WHO. Latent Tuberculosis Infection: Updated and consolidated guidelines for programmatic management. Geneva. WHO. 2018. Available at: https://www.who.int/?. Accessed on 13 January 2026.
Wang L, Wang Y, Zhao C, Wang M, Wang J. Investigation on latent tuberculosis infection and the attitudes of healthcare workers toward tuberculosis preventive therapy in a general hospital in eastern China. Front Public Health. 2022;10:1000811.
Craig GM, Daftary A, Engel N, O'Driscoll S, Ioannaki A. Tuberculosis stigma as a social determinant of health: a systematic mapping review of research in low-incidence countries. Int J Infect Dis. 2017;56:90-100.
Vyas N, Suryavanshi N, Suryanarayanan D. Healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitudes towards TB preventive therapy in a high-burden setting: A qualitative study. J Clin Tuberc Other Mycobact Dis. 2021;23:100226.
Hirsch-Moverman Y, Shrestha-Kuwahara R, Bethel J, Blumberg HM, Venkatappa TK, Horsburgh CR, et al. Adherence to treatment for latent tuberculosis infection: systematic review of studies in the US and Canada. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2015;19(12):150314.
Osei E, Akweongo P, Binka F. Factors associated with TB treatment default and completion in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. BMC Public Health. 2011;11:1-8.
Hermans SM, Castelnuovo B, Katabira C, Kamya MR, Nsubuga EJ, Kaleebu P, et al. Reasons for low uptake of isoniazid preventive therapy among HIV-infected patients at an HIV clinic in Uganda: a qualitative study. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2017;21(1):42-7.
Getahun H, Matteelli A, Abubakar I, Migliori GB, Sotgiu G, Lange C, et al. Management of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection: WHO guidelines for low tuberculosis burden countries. Eur Respir J. 2015;46(6):1563-76.
Kenya National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Disease Program (NTLD-P). Annual Report 2020–2021. Ministry of Health, Kenya. Available at: https://nltp.co.ke/reports/annual-reports/. Accessed on 13 January 2026.
Alsdurf H, Hill PC, Matteelli A, Getahun H, Menzies D. The cascade of care in diagnosis and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Infect Dis. 2016;16(11):1269-78.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
