Toward a conceptual framework of the acceptability of tuberculosis treatment in children using a theory generative approach

Abstract

To describe an early-stage holistic framework towards evaluating factors that impact the overall acceptability of TB treatment along the TB care cascade in children. We developed a conceptual framework utilising a theory generative approach. Domains were developed through review of existing definitions and analysis of existing qualitative data undertaken in acceptability studies of TB treatment in children. Clarity of domain definitions was achieved through iterative refinement among the research team. Three domains, each comprising several dimensions, were identified to holistically evaluate treatment acceptability: (1) usability, which involves the alignment between the requirements of treatment use and caregivers’ and children’s ability to integrate TB treatment into their everyday routines, (2) receptivity, which describes the end-user’s perception and expectations of treatment and its actual use, and (3) integration, which describes the relationship between available health services and caregivers/children’s capacity to make use of those services. Our framework addresses the gaps in current research which do not account for the influence of caregivers’ and children’s contexts on TB treatment uptake and overall acceptability. This approach may support the development of more standard, holistic measures to improve TB treatment delivery and experiences and future research in children.

Determinants of Antituberculosis Drug Acceptability among Children with Tuberculosis in Osun State Nigeria

“…Drug acceptability has varying views from the patients' and physicians' perspectives with some overlapped constructs. Patient drug acceptability refers to the degree to which a patient is willing to use or continue using a particular drug prescribed by their healthcare providers [3]. The acceptability of a drug from a physician's perspective on the other hand is viewed as the degree to which a particular drug is deemed acceptable for use by medical professionals, regulatory bodies, and the general public.…”

“…The acceptability of a drug from a physician's perspective on the other hand is viewed as the degree to which a particular drug is deemed acceptable for use by medical professionals, regulatory bodies, and the general public. The commonly identified determinants of drug acceptability from the physician's perspective are the drug's safety profile, efficacy, potential side effects, and the severity of the medical condition it is intended to treat [3].…”