Knowledge, Practice, and Barriers of Nurses about Early TB detection in Selected Health Center IVs in a District in Southwestern Uganda

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health issue worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Although early detection and prompt management are key to controlling TB, nurses face numerous barriers in early detection, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. In Southwestern Uganda, no studies have been conducted to describe the knowledge, practices, and barriers of nurses regarding early TB detection. This study aimed to describe the knowledge, barriers, and practices of nurses in early TB detection at Health Centre IVs in Southwestern Uganda. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework: This study applied Lewin’s Theory of Organizational Change, focusing on the "unfreezing" stage to assess the knowledge, practice and barriers of nurses regarding early TB detection in Health Centre IVs in Southwestern Uganda. Methodology: A cross-sectional quantitative research design was utilized. Using consecutive sampling, 60 nurses were recruited from three Health Centre IVs in a district in Southwestern Uganda. A questionnaire was used to collect data on nurses' knowledge, practices, and barriers regarding early TB detection. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 23). Results: Only 20% of nurses had excellent knowledge of early TB detection, while 38% had poor knowledge. Most participants had poor practices (67%). About 75% of nurses faced high levels of perceived barriers to early TB detection like: lack of awareness, training, TB guidelines, lack of diagnostic equipment and poor supply of infection prevention materials, perceived stigmatization among the nurses at risk of TB, belief that TB is a high risk disease, and human resource constraints which may result in delays in getting TB laboratory results. Conclusion: There were significant gaps in the knowledge and practices of nurses regarding early TB detection, along with high levels of perceived barriers like: inadequate training, stigma, and delays in diagnostic processes, which significantly impact the effectiveness of early TB detection. Recommendations: The study recommends continuous professional development and comprehensive training programs for nurses to improve their knowledge, collaboration, and practices in early TB detection. Clear, standardized guidelines for early TB detection are needed, along with efforts to reduce stigma surrounding the disease, which is a significant barrier to early detection. Key Terms: Knowledge, Practices, Barriers, Tuberculosis, Early TB detection, Nurses, Southwestern Uganda.