Relationship between knowledge and self-care practices regarding tuberculosis treatment among clients aged 20 – 40 years at Beatrice Road Infectious Hospital outpatient clinic

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a worldwide public health problem with a continued increase in both morbidity and mortality. It has been compounded by HIV/AIDS pandermic. Tuberculosis is widely known to affect the most economically active group, with 99% of all TB death occurring in the developing countries. Directly Observed Treatment Short Course is an internationally recommended approach adopted to improve self care practices as adherence among the clients on tuberculosis treatment. In Zimbabwe over 40,000 cases were reported in 2007 at a rate of 302 per 100 000 population, compared to 402 per 100 000 in 2000. The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between self-care practices and knowledge among 20-40 year old clients on tuberculosis therapeutic management at Beatrice Road Infectious Disease Hospital Outpatient Clinic. Orem’s self-care nursing model was used as a conceptual framework. The study used descriptive correlation design. The study included a random sample of 80 subjects comprising 48 females and 32 males aged between 22 to 40 years. The interview schedule contained closed ended structured questions on the demographic data open ended and closed ended questions on dependent and independent variables. Data was collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study showed a significant low positive Pearson correlation coefficient of (r = .354, p* < 0.01) implying that as knowledge increases self-care increases. Regression analysis R2 = .125 expressed as percentage 12.5. This implies that knowledge accounts for 12.5% of the variance in the self-care practice. F Statistics = 11. 140; p = .001). Therefore there is need to reinforce individualized health education and counseling of clients. For self-care to be effective, the clients should have knowledge skills to do self-care (Orem, 1991).