Factors Affecting Treatment Outcomes among Tuberculosis Patients during 2019- 2024: A Study from a University Teaching Hospital in South Eastern Nigeria
Chioma V. Francis
Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Nzube F. Ekpunobi *
Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Nwasoluchukwu Obidi
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Chidozie N. Ibezim
Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Malachy C. Ugwu
Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria and Tetfund Centre of Excellence for Biomedical, Engineering, Agricultural and Tranlational Studies (TCE-BEATS), UNIZIK, Awka, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem in Nigeria, where treatment success is impacted by various factors including poor adherence, adverse drug effects, and systemic barriers. Understanding local treatment outcomes and associated factors are essential to implement programmatic interventions more efficiently. This study assessed treatment outcomes and determinants of unsuccessful therapy among TB patients managed at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku.
Methods: This study assessed treatment outcomes and determinants of unsuccessful therapy among TB patients managed during 2019 to 2024 at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku. Data for this research were gathered retrospectively from COOUTH archives and current medical records. Standardised forms were used to gather data on patients, including demographics, clinical specifics, treatment plans, and results.
Results: A total of 206 patients were included. The majority presented with pulmonary TB, with males and adults comprising the largest groups. Adherence to treatment guidelines was generally high, with most patients receiving first-line drugs for 3-6 months. However, adherence rates varied, with 53.9% showing good adherence, 17.0% fair adherence, and 9.2% poor adherence. A significant association was observed between treatment adherence and patient satisfaction (p < 0.05). Multidrug-resistant TB was uncommon but evident in a minority of cases.
Conclusion: Treatment outcomes at COOUTH are encouraging but remain undermined by adherence challenges, drug side effects, and access barriers. Strengthening patient-centred care through adherence counselling, early side-effect management, reliable and uninterrupted drug supply, and community engagement is critical to sustain TB control efforts in tune with with the WHO End TB targets.
Keywords: Tuberculosis, treatment outcomes, patient satisfaction, healthcare services, public health