Factors affecting implmentation of isoniazid preventive therapy in HIV/AIDS clinics in Dar es salaam region, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Tanzania is still facing challenges of rapid and widespread of HIV infection and AIDS. Recent data based on household surveys estimate the sero-prevalence in adults aged between 15 -49 years in Tanzania to be 5.7 per cent. World Health Organization (WHO) and Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS recommend the use of Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) to people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHAs) as part of an essential care package.

Objective The main objective of this study was to determine factors affecting implementation of IPT in HIV care and treatment clinics in Dar es Salaam.

Materials and Methods: To determine factors affecting implementation of Isoniazid preventive therapy, a cross sectional descriptive study was undertaken in 119 purposively selected health care workers in three mucipalities in Dar es Salaam. Six out of seven health care facilities providing IPT in Dar es Salaam were involved such as the Muhimbili National Hospital, Amana Hospital, Temeke Hospital, Ukonga dispensary, Pastoral Activities and Services for people living with AIDS in Dar es salaam Archdiocese (PASADA) and Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital. The study used self administering structured questionnaire to get information from the participants. The researcher tested the knowledge of IPT for health care workers by using a multiple choice question. Cross tabulation was done on duration of training and IPT Knowledge.

Results About half (52%) of the health care workers in HIV care clinics were trained in IPT related knowledge. In general behaviour of health care workers towards implementation of IPT was positive as 96% showed positive behaviour. Financial, supplies, policy and leadership factors positively favoured implementation of IPT in HIV care clinics.

Conclusion IPT implementation in HIV care and treatment clinics in Dar es Salaam is generally satisfactory but more efforts have to be made especially on training of health care workers and improve products such as INH and supplies such as HIV kits and tools for documentation.