FACTORS INFLUENCING THE INCIDENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS AMONG YOUTHS AGED BETWEEN 18-35 YEARS IN KISUMU COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Being one of the biggest causes of death for teenagers globally, Tuberculosis (TB) cannot continue being ignored. Diagnosing and treating TB infections and diseases continue to present substantial obstacles. Knowledge on the factors contributing to the many incidences of TB among youths is crucial to its management. Methods:This study looks into the variables affecting the occurrence of tuberculosis (TB) among young people at Kisumu County Referral Hospital (KCRH) who are between the ages of 18 and 35. A descriptive study design was used. Males made up 62% of the sample, and the bulk of respondents (40%) were between the ages of 25 and 30. Results: Majority 21(40%) of the respondents were young adults.Majority 21(40%) of the respondents were unemployed followed by 15(29%) others, followed by 9(17%) who were employed and the least 7(14%) were students. Majority 44(85%) reported that TB can be transmitted from one person to another whereas 8(15%) reported that TB cannot be transmitted from one person to another. A good number of the respondents were well informed on the modes of TB transmission where 35(67%) reported that TB can be transmitted through air followed by 5(10%) who reported that TB can be transmitted through sex and the least respondents on how TB can be transmitted were 2(4%) who reported that TB can be transmitted through sharing utensils and 2(4%) who reported that TB can be transmitted through other means. It was evident that many people are aware of the signs and symptoms of TB where majority 42(80%) of the respondents reported that prolonged cough is a sign of TB followed by 5(10%) of the respondents who reported that these are other signs and symptoms of TB.The study also revealed that majority of the participants were at a risk of TB infection where majority 32(61.53%) reported that they were smoking cigarettes and using tobacco products.However,it was noted that majority didn't know on the ways of preventing TB where majority 26(50%) reported that having protected sex is a way of preventing TB. Conclusion: The study concludes that social and environmental factors, particularly those related to economic challenges, make young people more susceptible to tuberculosis (TB). Young adults are not well informed on the methods of TB transmission and the methods of TB prevention.