Determinants of Tuberculosis Medication Adherence among TB Patients at Kiambu Level Five Hospital, Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the determinants of Tuberculosis (TB) medication adherence at Kiambu Level Five Hospital in Kiambu County, Kenya. Despite the implementation of treatment interventions, non-adherence remains a significant challenge in the region. An analytical cross-sectional study design was used, with 141 participants selected through systematic sampling from the TB clinic. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire to assess demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors, with TB medication adherence measured using the Morisky Medication-Taking Adherence Scale (MMAS). Descriptive and inferential approaches were conducted, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The majority of participants were male (59.6%), aged 25–34 years, married (34%), and had secondary education (35.6%). Most participants (75%) reported adhering to their TB medication. A Pearson's Chi-square test revealed significant associations between medication adherence and factors such as Age, occupation, TB knowledge, and specific challenges related to adherence (e.g., forgetting medication or feeling hassled about treatment) (p < 0.05). Monthly income and land ownership were predictors of adherence (p = 0.010, t = 2.654; p = 0.025, t = 2.293). Knowledge about TB strongly predicted adherence (AOR: 0.182; 95% CI: 0.049–0.674; p = 0.011). The study concludes that socioeconomic factors and TB knowledge are key determinants of adherence and recommends community-based educational programs and further longitudinal studies to track adherence patterns over time and strengthen causal understanding.