Delayed submission of sputum specimen by adult tuberculosis (TB) suspects in Mzimba district in Malawi

Introduction Tuberculosis continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world although the disease is curable even in the presence of HIV infection(1). Sputum examination is one of the methods through which TB cases are detected from the community hence timely submission of sputum specimen is vital in PTB case detection. Objectives and Methods The aim of the study was to determine factors contributing to the delayed submission of sputum by adult TB cases in Mzimba district in Malawi. The study design was a cross-sectional study that applied quantitative and qualitative paradigms. Results The study found out that 61.5% (N=410, P-v < 0.001) of the participants had adequate knowledge about transmission of TB and 44.1% were aware of existence of MDR-TB. The results also indicated that 62.4 % walk to nearest health centres, 62.2% face travelling problems to access TB services and 13.2% acknowledged existence of operational sputum collection points. The results indicated that 20.5% of the interviewees were not comfortable to disclose or talk about a relatives TB status and 32.0%, P-v < 0.000 of the participants believe that there are traditional drugs that cure cough. Conclusion and Interpretations There is an inadequate knowledge and low levels of awareness on transmission and basic aetiological information of TB. There is inadequate accessibility to service points. There are social- economic and cultural beliefs that contribute to delay. There are existing knowledge gaps, beliefs and community TB control operational challenges that affect access to healthcare and submission of sputum specimen by adult TB suspects in Mzimba District in Malawi