Factors influencing delay in seeking tuberculosis treatment in Belet-Weyne District, Somalia

Abstract

Delays in seeking effective treatment for tuberculosis increase the level of disease morbidity and mortality rate as well as the risk of its transmission in the community (WHO, 2006b). In Somalia, Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the greatest health threats as it is the leading cause of death in the economically active age groups and in people living with HIV/AIDS (WHO, 2004). This study was carried out with the aim of determining factors influencing delays in seeking TB treatment in Belet-Weyne district.