Experiences of patients with extensive drug-resistant tuberculosis regarding prolonged isolation in a TB ward at a selected hospital in Namibia.

The focus of this study is to understand the experiences of participants with Extensive Drug Resistance (XDR) regarding prolonged isolation. The participants with XDR-TB are admitted in isolation for a minimum of twenty (20) months in the hospital. Different factors contributed to the participants not adhering to the rules of isolation in the TB ward. The fact that the isolation TB ward does not have proper measures to keep patients enclosed imposes the risk of cross infection to the public. The study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of patients with XDR-TB regarding prolonged isolation at a selected hospital in Namibia. The objectives of the study were to: Explore and describe the experiences of participants with XDR-TB regarding prolonged isolation at the TB ward at the selected hospital in Namibia. This study adopted a qualitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual approach to understanding in-depth the participants’ experiences of being isolated for a longer period. A purposive sampling approach was used to select the study participants and saturation was achieved at seventh (7th) participants. The data was collected using face-to-face individual interviews and analyzed using the thematic content method of analysis. Four main themes became apparent after the data was analyzed: Isolation, Challenges regarding basic needs, Psychological Support, and Improved health status. This study concluded that the participants experienced some psychosocial problems due to prolonged isolation. Living in isolation deprived them of a normal social lifestyle which resulted in pain, loneliness, anxiety, fear and depression. It was also revealed that participants believed that completing XDR-TB treatment guaranteed them cured.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Namibia

Year dc:date.issued

2021

Author dc:creator

• Sirongo, Eine H.

• Tuberculosis
• Drug resistant
• Treatment

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11070/3269

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.unam.edu.na:11070/3269