Psychosocial Challenges of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) Patients At St. Peter TB Specialized Hospital, in Addis Ababa

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is defined as resistant to at least Refampicin and Isoniazed two powerful drugs .It is a leading cause of high rates of morbidity and mortality, and increasing psychosocial challenges to patients. The main objective was to investigate the extent of the psychosocial challenges (self esteem, depression and stigma) that MDR-TB patients encounter, to examine whether there is a sex difference in experiencing psychosocial challenges and assess the counseling needs of MDR-TB patients.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at St. Peter TB Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa on 40 patients (25 males and 15 females) who are hospitalized for treatment. The patients were identified by using purposive sampling and made fill a questionnaire measuring their level of self-esteem, depression and stigma. Besides, data were collected from 16 participants, 8 care providers and 8 guardians, using semi structured interview. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and qualitative description.

The results of the study showed that majority (80%) of the respondents had suffered psychological challenges and social discriminations. In addition, 60% of participants showed low level of self esteem. The patients also reported that they experienced high self stigma and stigma by other members of the society.

The analysis of the t-test also shows that there were no statistically significant sex difference on the level of depression and stigma. Based on the qualitative data MDR TB patients face: Psychological (depression, low self value, anxiety), social (stigma and discrimination) and medical (drug side effect, drug burden, treatment length etc).

Based on the findings the following possible recommendations were forwarded: develop and extend MDR-TB disease awareness creation through by media (printing and electronic), school net TB clubs, and door to door community education. Strengthen psychological wellbeing and social relationship of MDR-TB patients using proper and consistent psychosocial.