Delays in Services Utilization and Treatment for TB patients in Maputo

The aim of this work is to explore factors that influence services utilization detection and treatment delays among tuberculosis patients in Maputo from users and providers side. Systematic literature review was used published and unpublished reports accessed. Additionally discussions with medical staff from the field and those involved in TB programmes in Maputo. A conceptual framework related to health seeking behaviour was adapted from Rundi and Piot models. The study found that from provider’s side there is lack of skilled and motivated staff to diagnose and treat TB. Poor distribution of health professionals with ratios of 51.4/100.000 in the rural area and 1688/100.000 in urban area. Open hours services not friendly lack of confidentiality stock outs and communication barriers. This combination of factors is detrimental for people when have to decide to use the public health services. Inefficiency of health system and services provision is the most important factor for people mistrusting the public health services.