FACTORS INFLUENCING TUBERCULOSIS (TB) AMONG THE ELDERLY PEOPLE FROM THE AGE OF 65 AND ABOVE IN WAJIR COUNTY REFERRALS HOSPITAL

Abstract

The primary goal of this research was to examine the factors influencing tuberculosis (TB) among the elderly persons from 65 years and above in Wajir County Referrals Hospital. Specific objectives included: To determine the effect of Sociodemographic characteristics on tuberculosis among the elderly people in Wajir County Referrals Hospital, to determine the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on tuberculosis among the elderly people in Wajir County Referrals Hospital and to determine the effect of malnutrition on tuberculosis among the elderly people in Wajir County Referrals Hospital. The study used descriptive research design. The study population included registered elderlies with TB infections on treatment in the Wajir County Referrals Hospital facility. Primary data was collected by questionnaire, and secondary data was congregated from past studies. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24 was used for statistical analysis of the data. The results were presented using figures and tables. The study came to the conclusion that individuals with diabetes mellitus had a significant risk of developing tuberculosis. Statistics showed a statistically significant relationship between socio-demographic factors and TB. The study discovered that a significant contributing factor to the TB illness in Wajir county is malnutrition among the elderly. Males make up a majority of the TB patients at the Wajir County Referral Hospital. In conclusion, to put them (health facilities) closer to the people, fully functional health facilities should be distributed across the area. Mobile units that provide TB testing and treatment services should be established to serve the remote nomads in order to support access to health care. The governments should develop educational initiatives to inform the public about the causes of TB and its treatment. The government should develop strategies to raise literacy rates since education is thought to improve information receptivity. The community will be able to afford healthcare services and other essentials if marketplaces and roads are opened up for business. The study finally recommended that to determine whether the same findings would be obtained, similar research might be conducted in other counties at various locations.