Publication:

Uptake of tuberculosis preventive therapy and its associated factors among health care workers in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major occupational risk among healthcare workers (HCWs), with latent TB infection (LTBI) serving as a reservoir for future active disease. Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy (TPT) is an effective strategy to reduce this risk; however, uptake among HCWs remains suboptimal. This study examined the association between knowledge of the LTBI policy, general knowledge of TPT, and personal attitude and perception factors with willingness to uptake TPT among HCWs in Nairobi City County, Kenya.

Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs in selected health facilities in Nairobi City County. Data was collected using structured questionnaires assessing knowledge of the LTBI policy, knowledge of TPT, attitudes and perceptions toward TPT, and willingness to uptake therapy. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with TPT uptake.

Results A total of 288 HCWs participated, of whom 60% were female. Nurses constituted 45% of respondents, and 62% reported awareness of the LTBI policy. Knowledge of the LTBI policy was significantly associated with TPT uptake (p 3, p=0.001). Pharmaceutical technologists and HCWs in other professions had significantly lower odds of uptake compared to clinician. Attitude and perception were not independently associated with uptake.

Conclusions Knowledge of the LTBI policy is a key determinant of TPT uptake among HCWs. Strengthening policy dissemination and addressing profession-specific barriers may improve TPT uptake in healthcare settings.