Understanding Barriers to Uptake of TB Preventive Treatment Among People Living with HIV in Zimbabwe: A Qualitative Assessment of Healthcare Workers’ Perspectives

Abstract

(TB) infection to TB disease. Tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) is recommended for PLHIV; however, its uptake remains suboptimal. In Zimbabwe, three months of weekly rifapentine and isoniazid (3HP) and six months of daily isoniazid (6H) are the most commonly prescribed TPT regimens. We explored barriers to TPT uptake among PLHIV from the perspective of healthcare workers (HCWs) in Zimbabwe. Facility nurses who had been implementing TPT for at least six months were invited to participate in in-depth interviews and/or focus group discussions conducted in March 2023. Audio recordings were transcribed into English, coded using NVivo 12 (QSR International), and analyzed thematically. Eleven HCWs participated in in-depth interviews and 15 in focus group discussions. Barriers were categorized as person- and health system-related. Person-related barriers included misconceptions about TPT, fear of adverse events, and pill burden. Health system barriers included stock-outs of TPT medications, limited HCW knowledge and skills to promote TPT, limited expertise in initiating TPT among children under five years of age, and limited access to chest radiography. Barriers to TPT uptake and completion remain in Zimbabwe and contribute to missed opportunities for TB prevention among PLHIV. TPT implementation could be strengthened through an uninterrupted supply of TPT medications, continuous training and mentorship of HCWs, and community engagement to improve awareness of the benefits and risks of TPT.