Abstract:
ABSTRACT
The WHO has called for commensurate attention to childhood TB.
However, there is limited research evidence to inform context-specific policies
and implementation. Therefore, this study explores the management and control
of childhood TB in Ghana. Data were obtained from 31 health providers and 35
primary caregivers for TB-infected children from 15 health facilities in five
regions in Ghana. Using the Normalisation Process Model and Salutogenic
theory as frameworks, qualitative analyses were done using QSR Nvivo 12 plus.
The study found that childhood TB management and control practices in the
selected health facilities were largely consistent with recommended practices,
though several challenges such as the absence of paediatricians to conduct
sputum induction procedures such as gastric lavage exist. Treatment
interruption after the intensive phase and contact tracing difficulties were also
pronounced. Service providers and primary caregivers are favourably disposed
to the idea of partial integration of childhood TB management into child welfare
clinics. To improve the management and control of childhood TB, service
providers recommended among other things; getting childhood TB firmly on
the public health agenda, improving childhood TB active case finding (ACF),
and addressing loss to follow-up. Childhood TB exerts considerable negative
psychosocial impacts on primary caregivers, TB-infected children, and their
households at large. The theoretical frameworks provided a broader
understanding of the contextual issues. The National TB Control Programme
and the GHS should consider partial integration of childhood TB services into
child welfare clinics and provide psychosocial support to primary caregivers.
