Factors associated with household contacts screening for TB among active TB Household contacts in Jimma &Agaro town, South-Western Ethiopia, 2021

Abstract

Tuberculosis is among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in Ethiopia. Systematic screening of active tuberculosis household contact attendance is the way for the identification of suspected target individuals using tests. Early detection, initiation of treatments, and safeguarding cure should be the highest priority. It has the potential to minimize avoidable delays in diagnosis and the beginnings of treatment. Low screening of active TB household contact is the major problem contributing to the high burden and transmission of tuberculosis in most developing countries. The same is true in my study area, Jimma and Agaro town, southwest Ethiopia. Objective: To assess factors associated with attendance of screening for tuberculosis among active TB household contacts in Jimma and Agaro town 2021. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire that was undergone from June 1 to September 30, 2021, on 417 TB household contacts who are residents in Jimma and Agaro town. A logistic regressions model was used to identify independent determinants of screening attendance of TB household contacts. A P-value < 0.05 at 95 % CI is considered statistically significant. Result: A total of 417 TB household contacts participated in the study, with a response rate of 96.3%. The proportion of screening for TB attendance and none screened were 38.6% and 61.4% respectively. Factors associated with attendance of screening were, family close related [AOR=0.393:95%CI (0.246-0.627)], monthly household income of the respondent above 7071Et. Birr [AOR=2.76:95% CI (1.177-6.48), perceived susceptibility [AOR= 2.43:95% CI (1.40-4.235)], perceived severity,[AOR=2.80:95% CI (1.58-4.99)],and motivation of the respondent [AOR=2.15:95% CI (1.40-3.30)]. Conclusion: Predictors such as family support, household monthly income, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and motivations were significantly associated with TB household contact screening. Therefore, by increasing the perceptions and income of TB household contact, it is possible to tackle the screening problem.