Delayed Tuberculosis Treatment in Somaliland

In Somaliland,TB annual incidence is 324/100,000, but 86% delay treatment. Despite high rate of delayed TB treatment, factors responsible were not known. Guided by the Health Belief Model, this study investigated the factors through a cross-sectional survey design on a random sample of 108 TB patients, in Borama TB Hospital from March-April 2014. Data was analyzed using chi-square goodness of fit. The study established that sociocultural factors - 2 (3, N = 108) = 121.704, p =.000, F =.102; TB awareness - 2 (1, N = 108) = 23.148, p =.000, F =.462; and accessibility to TB treatment - 2 (4, N = 108) = 60.051, p =.000, F = .745 significantly influence delayed treatment among TB patients in Borama District. But socioeconomic factors do not have a significant influence on delayed TB treatment - 2 (2, N = 108) = .109, p =.000, F =.032. The study concluded that accessibility to TB treatment is the major cause of delayed treatment of TB in Borama District. The study recommends that all stakeholders work together to redress retrogressive attitudes and beliefs about TB; and that TB services be integrated into the primary health care facilities to improve accessibility to treatment.