Abstract:
Background: Tuberculosis causes ill health among millions of people each year which is the
second leading cause of death from an infectious disease in the world wide. Intensifying TB
screening and contact investigation strategy is recommended to ensure early diagnosis
approaches in high-risk groups and house hold contacts of TB patients.
Objectives: exploring barriers to and facilitators for contact tracing and investigation of TB in
Anlemo district, Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia.
Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was employed from March 12-April 9, 2019. Purposive
sampling technique were used to recruit study participants. A total of 16 participants were
involved in the study including the health extension workers, index TB patient, house hold
contacts of TB patients and district TB coordinator. Data were collected through in depth
interviews using semi-structured interview guide. Data were transcribed verbatim, translated and
thematic analysis was employed. ATLAS.ti7 computer software was used to manage data. The
findings were presented on major themes, categories and quotations.
Result: This study explored different barriers and facilitators for contact tracing and contact
investigation of TB under the following themes: 1) health system related theme with categories
like monitoring and supervision, training of health workers, logistics and infrastructure, waiting
time and institutional readiness, referral, feedback and linkage, human resource, charge for some
laboratory, and transportation and budget; 2) health worker related theme with categories like
Knowledge and awareness, Commitment and motivation, and Work load; 3) Index case and
house hold contact related were Knowledge and awareness, workload, commitment and
motivation and 4) Socio -economic and cultural related were distance, social support, economic
constrain , and stigma and discrimination.
Conclusion and Recommendation: Findings suggest that health system related, health worker
related, index case and house hold contacts related, and socio-economic and cultural barriers and
facilitators work together to hinder and promote contact tracing and investigation of TB.
Continuous monitoring and strengthening supportive supervision should be done to improve
contact tracing and investigation of TB.
