Abstract:
Introduction: isoniazid preventive therapy for
people living with HIV is an essential public health
intervention in low-income countries with high
tuberculosis and HIV burden. Despite available
evidence that it is efficacious, its implementation is
still low in many countries. This study was
designed to determine its implementation
coverage and explore barriers for suboptimal
implementation in Songea municipality in
Tanzania. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive
study design using both quantitative and
qualitative approaches of data collection was
employed. A review of 2148 records of people
living with HIV eligible for isoniazid preventive
therapy (IPT) was done to determine its
implementation coverage. Twenty-one (21) in depth interviews and 5 observations were
conducted to explore barriers in the
implementation. Quantitative data was analyzed
using Statistical Package for the Social Science
(SPSS) for windows version 20 statistical software.
Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentage)
were employed and data were visualized using
tables and bar graphs. All interviews were audio recorded and analyzed using thematic analysis
approach. Results: overall, isoniazid preventive
therapy coverage at Songea municipality was
estimated to be 45%. Insufficient drug supply and
stock out, shortage of staff, lack of service privacy,
long waiting time, drug side effects, pills burden,
distance and cost of transport were the main
reported barriers hindering full scale
implementation of isoniazid preventive therapy.
Conclusion: implementation of isoniazid preventive
therapy in Songea municipality had low coverage.
The study recommends that tuberculosis and HIV
stakeholders must be part of the solutions by
ensuring that the identified barriers are addressed.
