Effects of Health Education and Nutrient Intake Interventions on the Prevention of Treatment Failure Among Patients With Active Tuberculosis in Kericho County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Treatment failure remains a significant challenge in the prevention and control of tuberculosis (TB) globally. Despite implemented strategies, TB remains a major cause of death worldwide. This study aimed to determine the effect of health education and nutrient intake intervention on treatment outcomes among patients with active TB. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted for positive deviance inquiry in TB treatment sites in both Bureti and Ainamoi sub-counties to assess the predictors of treatment failure among 216 patients who had undergone and completed treatment from June 2022 to December 2022. The findings from the inquiry were used to design an intervention on health education and nutrient intake. This quasi-experimental study included 192 patients with smear-positive sputum results at diagnosis, with each group having an equal number of participants. Results: Treatment success for the control and intervention groups was 77.2% and 93.5%, respectively. Negative medication experience had an increased likelihood of treatment failure (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=3.080, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.139–10.844, P=<0.001). Not having a treatment adherence supporter had significantly higher odds of treatment failure (AOR=1.396, 95% CI: 1.053-1.825, P=0.033). After the intervention, the group that received health education and consumed nutrient-dense meals displayed significantly higher energy intake, protein intake, and fat intake (P<0.01) compared to the control group. Conclusion: Overall, health education and nutrient intake interventions had a positive influence on the treatment outcome of patients with active TB