Treatment Outcome of Tuberculosis at One Year: A Single Centre’s Experience in Niger Delta, Nigeria

Background: Monitoring the outcome of tuberculosis treatment and evaluating the reasons for unsuccessful treatment outcome are important in assessing the effectiveness of tuberculosis control program. This study investigated tuberculosis treatment outcomes and predictors for unsuccessful treatment outcome in a tertiary hospital in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria.

Methods: The medical records of patients registered in the DOTS clinic of the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital between September 2013 and August 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Tuberculosis treatment outcomes were assessed according to WHO guidelines. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the relationship between selected variables and treatment outcome.

Results: Out of the 166 PTB patients (54 males and 112 females) aged 15 years and above, 78.3% had good treatment outcome while 36 had poor treatment outcome. In the final multivariate logistic model the odds of poor treatment outcome was higher among patients older than 30 years of age (OR 1.33, 95% CI 0.580 – 3.049) female (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.342-1.994).

Conclusion: The treatment outcome among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was satisfactory in Okolobiri, South – south, Nigeria. However, high risk patients for poor treatment outcome should be identified early and given social support.