Assessment of attitude, knowledge, and practices of nurses on correct administration of DR-TB treatment to paediatric patients

Drug-resistant (DR) tuberculosis (TB) is a rising health concern that affects approximately 25 000 children annually. Nurses form much of the health care workforce in South Africa and play a crucial role in caring for children receiving DR-TB treatment. Explorations of the nurse’s experiences regarding the manipulation of dosage forms for DR-TB paediatric patients are also absent.

To determine attitude, knowledge, and practices of nurses on correct administration of DR-TB treatment to paediatric patients.

A qualitative method, utilising individual semi-structured interviews, was used to collect data in a specialised TB hospital. A semi-structured interview was developed and divided into three sections i.e. sociodemographic and professional data, perceptions about working with paediatric patients with DR-TB and knowledge regarding manipulation of dosage forms. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data was analysed using thematic analysis.

A total of 10 nurses were interviewed using the semi-structured interview guide that was developed. The saturation point was reached after 8 interviews were conducted. Two additional interviews were conducted. From the interviews conducted, 4 major themes and 16 sub-themes were identified.

Manipulation of dosage forms to achieve the required dose is common practice in the paediatric population. The interviewees presented generally favourable attitudes towards working with DR-TB children and were experienced with manipulation of available dosage forms to administer to children. Based on the practice of manipulation of dosage forms, continuous education is necessary to ensure patient safety.