Introduction
Tuberculosis continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the
world although the disease is curable even in the presence of HIV infection(1).
Sputum examination is one of the methods through which TB cases are
detected from the community hence timely submission of sputum specimen is
vital in PTB case detection.
Objectives and Methods
The aim of the study was to determine factors contributing to the delayed
submission of sputum by adult TB cases in Mzimba district in Malawi. The study
design was a cross-sectional study that applied quantitative and qualitative
paradigms.
Results
The study found out that 61.5% (N=410, P-v < 0.001) of the participants had
adequate knowledge about transmission of TB and 44.1% were aware of existence of MDR-TB. The results
also indicated that 62.4 % walk to nearest health centres, 62.2% face travelling problems to access TB services
and 13.2% acknowledged existence of operational sputum collection points. The results indicated that 20.5%
of the interviewees were not comfortable to disclose or talk about a relatives TB status and 32.0%, P-v < 0.000
of the participants believe that there are traditional drugs that cure cough.
Conclusion and Interpretations
There is an inadequate knowledge and low levels of awareness on transmission and basic aetiological
information of TB. There is inadequate accessibility to service points. There are social- economic and cultural
beliefs that contribute to delay. There are existing knowledge gaps, beliefs and community TB control
operational challenges that affect access to healthcare and submission of sputum specimen by adult TB
suspects in Mzimba District in Malawi.