Experiences of families living with tuberculosis patients in the North West province, South Africa

Background: The families living with tuberculosis (TB) patients play a vital role in the care of these patients. Little is known about the experiences of families living with family members who are infected with TB. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of families having a member or members diagnosed with TB. Setting: The study was conducted in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district in the North West province of South Africa. Methods: This was a qualitative study using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Ten families with member(s) who had TB were purposively selected. Data were collected through face-to-face, semi -structured individual interviews that were recorded. Data were analysed using Colaizzi's seven steps. Results: The following essential meanings emerged: family members' caregiving experiences, family members' challenging experiences, and family members' health literacy experiences. Conclusion: Families had a lack of TB knowledge, which was associated with their poverty and with community health nurses not being committed to patient education. In poor, rural settings, nurses need to support families with adequate TB knowledge to limit the spread of TB and achieve the best treatment outcomes. Contribution: Family involvement is vitally important in TB health promotion. Health promotion is a crucial tool for achieving comprehensive health and social growth. Wider interventions concentrating on families are beneficial for promoting health and preventing TB.