African Materials Engineering Research (Applied Science/Tech) | 21 February 2011
Tuberculosis Control in South African Mining Communities: Adherence and Community Engagement Rates
N, k, o, s, a, n, a, M, q, a, b, u, k, o
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health issue in South Africa, particularly prevalent among mining communities where living and working conditions can contribute to higher infection rates. A mixed-methods approach including both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews was employed to assess adherence levels and community participation in prevention programmes. Survey data indicated an average adherence rate of 78% among TB patients, with significant variation across different work sectors. Qualitative analysis revealed that trust in the healthcare system was a key factor influencing engagement rates. Community engagement strategies focusing on building trust and improving access to services were found to be effective in enhancing treatment adherence. Implementing targeted community health education programmes alongside robust surveillance systems is recommended for sustained TB control efforts. Tuberculosis, Mining Communities, Treatment Adherence, Community Engagement Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p<em>i)=\beta</em>0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.