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Abstract; Background: Tobacco use is associated with exacerbation of tuberculosis (TB) and poor TB treatment outcomes. Integrating tobacco use cessation within TB treatment could improve healing among TB patients. The aim was to explore perceptions of health workers on where and how to integrate tobacco use cessation services into TB treatment programs in Uganda.Methods: Between March and April 2019, nine focus group discussions (FGDs) and eight key informant interviews were conducted among health workers attending to patients with tuberculosis on a routine basis in nine facilities from the central, eastern, northern and western parts of Uganda. These facilities were high volume health centres, general hospitals and referral hospitals. The FGD sessions and interviews were tape recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis to identify themes.Results: Participants indicated that tobacco use cessation activities should be integrated in TB treatment starting from communities when people are still healthy. Cessation should also be implemented in health facilities including referral facilities, and be extended to those who have been healed as they go back to communities. This calls for collaborations beyond health workers to TB treatment supporters, peers and the media. Conclusions: Tobacco use cessation should take place in communities as well as health facilities. Partnerships with media and families are needed. Health system challenges need to be addressed to support effective implementation. |
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