article · Asian Journal of Research in Infectious Diseases
A cross-sectional investigation evaluated facility-level influences on tuberculosis treatment adherence within Mwingi East Sub-County in Kitui County, Kenya. Examining 148 randomly sampled patients across Nguni and Waita health centres between January and March 2022, the findings reveal that 65.3 percent of participants adhered to their prescribed regimens, while 34.7 percent failed to maintain adherence. Statistical analysis established that physical distance to the clinic and the availability of transport were the primary facility-related determinants shaping patient compliance. Both factors demonstrated significant statistical associations during bivariate testing and remained influential predictors in binary regression models. Because adherence fell below optimal targets, the outcomes highlight an urgent requirement to improve physical access and logistical connectivity for individuals seeking long-term respiratory disease therapy in remote rural settings.
Poor adherence to tuberculosis therapy increases the risk of treatment failure, disease transmission, and the emergence of drug-resistant bacterial strains. Identifying that physical distance and transport access strongly govern whether patients complete their medication allows health authorities and planners to design targeted interventions, such as decentralised medicine distribution or dedicated transport support, directly addressing structural obstacles to patient recovery in rural communities.
The abstract does not evaluate a commercial product or technical invention, presenting observational public health data instead. However, the findings could inform healthcare logistics providers, digital health platforms, and transport service operators designing remote medication delivery systems or patient mobility solutions. These concepts represent early-stage service design opportunities for public or private healthcare programmes aiming to bridge travel barriers in rural treatment delivery.
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Background: Tuberculosis treatment adherence is essential for successful treatment outcomes and control of drug resistance. This study assessed facility-level factors influencing adherence to tuberculosis treatment in Mwingi East Sub-County, Kitui County, Kenya. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Nguni and Waita health centres from January to March 2022. A sample of 148 participants was included, with 74 participants selected from each facility. The two facilities were purposively selected, while participants were selected through random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between facility-level factors and treatment adherence, and binary regression analysis was used to determine factors influencing adherence. Results: Overall, 65.3% of participants adhered to tuberculosis treatment, whereas 34.7% did not. Distance to the health facility was significantly associated with adherence (χ² = 7.872, df = 1, p = 0.005), as was availability of means of transport (χ² = 8.643, df = 1, p = 0.003). In regression analysis, distance (p = 0.002) and means of transport (p = 0.010) remained significant facility-related factors influencing adherence. Conclusion: Tuberculosis treatment adherence in the study setting was below the stated recommended level. Geographical distance and transport accessibility were the principal facility-level factors associated with adherence, indicating the importance of improving access to treatment services in remote areas.
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DOI: 10.9734/ajrid/2026/v17i9576
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