Barriers and facilitators of tuberculosis treatment adherence among nomadic populations in Sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review protocol

Abstract

Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is a notable public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as nomads. Their migratory lifestyles limit consistent access to TB diagnostic and treatment services, leading to delays in diagnosis and challenges in completing the full TB treatment regimen. This scoping review aims to map the existing evidence on barriers and facilitators of TB treatment adherence among nomadic populations in SSA. Methods The review will follow the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework. Relevant published literature will be searched using a combination of keywords, Boolean terms, and Medical Subject Headings (MESH) across PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and relevant grey literature sources. Eligible publications will include empirical research examining the barriers and facilitators that influence tuberculosis (TB) treatment adherence among nomadic populations. Study selection and data extraction will be undertaken independently by two reviewers, with discrepancies adjudicated by a third reviewer. The findings will be synthesized narratively in alignment with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Conclusion This review seeks to map the existing evidence on the barriers and facilitators shaping TB treatment adherence among nomadic populations in sub-Saharan Africa. It is anticipated that this analysis will provide a foundation for a more targeted inquiry, support the development of context-appropriate TB strategies and guide policymakers in designing interventions better aligned with the needs of highly mobile populations.