Assessing uptake and completion of tuberculosis prevention therapy among healthcare workers: a cross-sectional health facility based survey in Nyandarua County, Kenya

Introduction: healthcare workers (HCWs) in sub-Saharan Africa face a heightened risk of tuberculosis (TB) due to occupational exposure and immune vulnerabilities. Despite the availability of tuberculosis preventive therapy (TPT), limited data exist on its uptake and completion among HCWs in Kenya. Aim: the study aimed to assess uptake and completion of Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy (TPT) among healthcare workers in Nyandarua County, Kenya. Methods: a quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 219 HCWs from purposively selected health facilities in Nyandarua County were randomly sampled. Binary logistic regression identified associations between explanatory variables and outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression determined predictors of TPT uptake and completion. Results: among the HCWs, 26% initiated TPT, and 80% of those who initiated completed the regimen. Uptake was associated with working in lower-level health facilities (OR 28.4, 95% CI 2.76-2.91), perceived risk of TB (OR 7.2, 95% CI 1.14-4.51), and working in outpatient departments (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.11-4.01). Not having prior exposure to a co-worker with TB reduced the likelihood of TPT initiation (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.14-0.53). TPT Completion was associated with TPT awareness and training (OR 16.5, 95% CI 1.52-1.79) and wearing masks (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.98-1.33). Conclusion: perceived TB risk, TPT training and awareness, wearing PPE, having a co-worker with TB, and working in an outpatient department are associated with uptake and completion of tuberculosis therapy. The study recommends targeted training, sensitization, and support to sustain TPT and tuberculosis infection-prevention efforts.