Lived experiences of tuberculosis patients accessing treatment during COVID-19 in Zimbabwe

Background: Despite being a preventable and curable disease, tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases, responsible for over a million deaths worldwide. Global efforts to eradicate TB were disturbed by the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Zimbabwe was not exempt from the scourge of this pandemic. Like other healthcare services that were disrupted, TB care services were affected. The objectives of this study were to explore the lived experiences of TB patients as they accessed and continued TB treatment during the COVID-19 period in Zimbabwe. Methods: An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was conducted. Fifteen TB patients accessing care at the four most populated primary healthcare facilities in Zimbabwe were purposively sampled and participated in the study. The sample size of 15 participants was determined by data saturation. Interpretative phenomenological analysis steps were followed in the data analysis process. Results: Three themes emerged: psychological effects (anxiety, fear, unintended disclosure, stigma, discrimination); support systems (healthcare facility, family, community); and TB service delivery gaps (delayed diagnosis, poor follow-up and support, inadequate health education). Conclusion: The study established that the COVID-19 pandemic affected TB service delivery and support, and follow-up with TB clients was not done. Insights from this study are crucial for strengthening the country’s preparedness and response to future epidemics. Contribution: To facilitate continuity of TB care services, it is critical for decision-makers to develop context-specific intervention strategies and preparedness plans for use during pandemics and other public health emergencies.