Determinants of Patient Delay and Care-Seeking Pathways in Tuberculosis Diagnosis Among Individuals Aged ≥ 15 Years at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

Magoba Ronald Arnold*, Dominic Mogere, Dennis Magu and Mark Mudenyo

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where delays in diagnosis contribute to ongoing transmission, poor treatment outcomes, and increased mortality. Patient delay in seeking healthcare remains a significant barrier to effective TB control. This study assessed the determinants of patient delay and care-seeking pathways among individuals aged 15 years and above diagnosed with tuberculosis at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 127 tuberculosis patients aged ≥15 years receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and review of clinical records. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with patient delay. Results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals.

Results: The majority of participants were aged 40–49 years (32.3%). More than half (59.8%) delayed seeking healthcare for more than two months after symptom onset. Perceived stigma (96.9%), fear of diagnosis (66.9%), and long distance to health facilities were major barriers to timely healthcare-seeking. Participants who initially sought care from informal providers or practiced self-medication experienced longer delays before diagnosis. Age group, education level, and distance to health facility were significantly associated with delay at bivariate analysis (p<0.05). However, none of these variables remained statistically significant after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusion: Patient delay remains a major challenge in tuberculosis control among adults attending Kenyatta National Hospital. Stigma, fear, and barriers to healthcare access contribute substantially to delayed healthcare-seeking behaviour. Strengthening community awareness, reducing TB-related stigma, and improving access to diagnostic services are essential for promoting early diagnosis and reducing transmission.

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Published on: Jun 17, 2026 Pages: 1-9

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/2455-5363.000065
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