Profile and treatment outcomes of patients with tuberculosis: A five-year review of patients on DOTS in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), the second leading cause of death among infectious diseases continues to be a major public health threat worldwide, more so in the  developing world. Several strategies have been tried in the past to address its  burden, including Directly Observed Therapy Short-course (DOTS), DOTS plus, and the Stop TB Strategy. Amid these efforts, TB is now listed amongst the top   re-emerging diseases in the world. This study identified trends in TB case detection, major type of TB, patient demographics, AFB positive rates, and treatment   outcomes within the period reviewed.
Methods: In this descriptive records review of years 2011-2015, existing data was extracted from tuberculosis central registers from all sites in Delta State, Nigeria. The data was analysed using winPEPI and EPIDATA software solutions and presented in tables and charts.
Results: Tuberculosis case detection declined between 2011 and 2015. Patients aged 25–34 years were the largest proportion. Males outnumbered females in total but the proportion of females was higher among 5 to 34 year olds. Treatment  success rate improved from 68.3% in 2011 to 88.0% in 2014. Sputum AFB  positive rate was <60% for 2011 – 2014 but rose above 70% in 2015. Prevalence of extra-pulmonary TB was 2% for all the years reviewed except 2013 which had a small variation. The proportion of patients lost to follow-up declined from 2011 through 2015.
Conclusion: The Delta State Tuberculosis Control Programme improved in  case-holding. These gains need to be sustained to keep up with the stipulations of the National Tuberculosis Control Programme.