Challenges in the provision of tuberculosis preventive therapy to children in Gauteng Province, South Africa

• Published in: SAJCH : the South African journal of child health Vol. 16; no. 1; pp. 13 - 16
• Main Authors: Philip, R T, Feucht, U D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese
• Published: Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG) 01.03.2022; Health & Medical Publishing Group; South African Medical Association
• Subjects: Children; Drug resistance in microorganisms; Health aspects; Health Care Sciences & Services; Medical personnel; Medicine, Preventive; Pediatrics; Prevention; Preventive health services; Tuberculosis; Australia; South Africa
• ISSN: 1994-3032; 1999-7671; 1999-7671
• DOI: 10.7196/SAJCH.2022.v16.i1.1818

Background Tuberculosis preventive therapy (TPT) offered to children who come into contact with infectious adult pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) cases is an important childhood TB prevention strategy.Objectives To document paediatric TPT coverage as per South African national TB guidelines, to measure basic knowledge of TPT in adult TB patients and healthcare workers (HCWs), and to determine challenges in TPT delivery in eligible children.Methods We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study at primary healthcare clinics in South-West Tshwane, Gauteng Province, South Africa (SA). Structured interviews were conducted with adult TB patients to obtain socio-demographic data, TB and HIV history, data on child contacts and TPT knowledge. A separate questionnaire probed HCWs’ knowledge of TPT. Patient folders and the clinical process flow of adult TB cases and children on TPT were also assessed.Results We interviewed 100 adult TB patients and identified 28 child contacts who were eligible for TPT, including six children (21%, n=6/28) on TPT, all HIV-uninfected and