Factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome in tuberculosis patients among refugees and their surrounding communities in Gambella Regional State, Ethiopia

Tuberculosis treatment outcomes and associated factors at Alemgena Health Center, Sebeta, Oromia, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global public health problem. Evaluation of TB treatment outcome enables health institutions to measure and improve the effectiveness of TB control programs. This study aimed to assess treatment outcomes of tuberculosis and identify associated factors among TB patients registered at Alemgena Health Center, Oromia, Ethiopia.

METHOD

A retrospective study was conducted; Secondary data were collected from medical records of 1010 TB patients treated at Alemgena Health Center between September 2012 and August 2018, inclusively. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with TB treatment outcomes. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The proportion of males and females was almost equal. Among the patients 64.7% were in the age group 15-34, 98% were new cases, 31.2% were smear positive, 13% were HIV positive and 40.3% had extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. 94.2% of the patients had successful treatment outcome, with 26.9% cured and 67.3% treatment completed, whereas 5.8% had unsuccessful treatment outcomes, of whom 4.2% died and 1.5% defaulted. Death rate was higher among patients older than 44 years (10.4%) than among children (0%). In bivariate logistic regression analysis, treatment success rate was 3.582 (95% CI 1.958-6.554, p-value = .000) times higher in the age group 44 and below compared to the age group 45 and above.

CONCLUSION

Treatment success rate exceeded the one targeted by WHO. Age was found to be associated with treatment outcome. Success rate has to be improved for TB patients in the age group greater than 45 years of age.

Predictors of tuberculosis treatment outcomes among people living with HIV in some States in Nigeria

Introduction

tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remain major public health threats globally and worse when they co-exist in susceptible individuals. The study examined TB treatment outcomes and their predictive factors among people living with HIV (PLHIVs).

Methods

a review of TB/HIV co-infected patients who had TB treatments across comprehensive antiretroviral therapy (ART) sites with ≥500 patients was conducted in seven United States of America President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)-supported States in Nigeria. Data on patient background, HIV and TB care, and TB treatment outcomes were collected using an Excel abstraction template. The data was analyzed using SPSS and an association was examined using a chi-square test while binary logistic regression was used to determine predictors of TB treatment outcomes (P< 0.05).

Results

two thousand six hundred and fifty-two co-infected patients participated in the study. The mean age of participants was 37 ± 14 years. A majority had TB treatment success (cured = 1059 (39.9%), completed = 1186 (44.7%)). Participants who had pulmonary TB, virally suppressed and commenced isoniazid (INH) before TB diagnosis were more likely to have a favorable TB treatment outcome compared to those who had extrapulmonary TB (AOR = 7.110, 95% CI = 1.506 - 33.565), virally unsuppressed (AOR = 1.677, 95% CI = 1.036 - 2.716) or did not commence INH before TB diagnosis (AOR = 1.486, 95% CI = 1.047 - 2.109).

Conclusion

site of infection, immune status, exposure to ART, and INH prophylaxis were found to predict TB treatment outcomes among PLHIVs. Stakeholders should ensure early commencement of ART and INH prophylaxis for PLHIVs.

Prevalence of Smear-Positive, Rifampicin-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Related Factors Among Residents with Cough in Northern Ethiopian Refugee Health Facilities

Purpose

To ascertain the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) among refugees suspected of tuberculosis (TB) and related risk factors, including smear-positive and Rifampicin-resistant M.tb.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2020 and May 2020 among 384 refugees in four refugee camps in Northwest Tigray, Ethiopia. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected from refugees with a history of cough for more than two weeks prospectively. Spot-spot sputum samples were collected and transported in an ice box to the Shire Suhul Hospital Microbiology laboratory; and then examined using a Fluorescent Microscope. All smear-positive samples were further processed by GeneXpert to detect Rifampicin-resistant MTB. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The overall prevalence of smear-positive PTB infection was 5.5% (21/384), but No TB case was resistant to Rifampicin detected by GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay. About 70% of the smear-positive pulmonary TB identified were females. Five (23.8%) of the smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases were co-infected by HIV. Sharing of drink and food materials (AOR = 4.36, 95% CI = 1.19-15.89), active TB contact (AOR 7.24, 95% CI = 1.62-32.125), BMI (AOR = 5.23, 95% CI = 1.28-21.29), opening window practice (AOR = 4.32, 95% CI = 1.02-18.30) and HIV status (AOR = 9.36, 95% CI = 1.64-53.35) were statistically significant predisposing factors.

Conclusion

The prevalence of smear-positive pulmonary TB among northwest Tigray refugee camps was still high. The prevalence of TB/HIV co-infection was also high. Minimizing close contact with active TB cases, reducing malnutrition, rapid TB/HIV screening, and establishing a ventilation system can reduce the transmission of TB among refugees.

Nutritional status and treatment outcomes of tuberculosis in Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital, a five -year retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Public health problems related to tuberculosis (TB) remain substantial globally, particularly in resource-limited countries. Determining TB treatment outcomes and identifying contributing factors are the basic components of the TB control strategy. In Ethiopia, different studies have been done on treatment outcomes and multiple associated factors, and there is also a little information on the effect of nutritional status on TB treatment outcomes. So there is a need for comprehensive research that examines the combined effects of multiple factors along with nutritional status.

METHODS

A five-year institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital, South West Ethiopia. This study included all tuberculosis patients who were documented in the TB registration and had known treatment outcomes at the treatment facility between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020. Data was collected through a pretested structured data extraction checklist. Data were entered into Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed through SPSS version 22. Multiple logistic regression was employed to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULT

Of the total 625 TB patients, 283 (45.3%), 175 (28%), and 167 (26.7%) had smear-positive, extra-pulmonary, and smear-negative tuberculosis, respectively. The majority of study participants had normal weight (62.2%), were in the age group of 15-44 (67.4%), were new cases (73.8%), and were from urban areas (69.4%). About 32.2% of cases were HIV-positive. The overall unsuccessful treatment rate was 25%. From the total unsuccessful treatment rates, the highest proportion was a death rate of 90 (14.4%), followed by a treatment failure of 56 (9%). Being female (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2-2.5), HIV positive (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.9-4.1), undernutrition (BMI<18.5kg/m2) (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3-2.9), and smear-negative pulmonary TB (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1-2.5) were independent predictors of unsuccessful treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The treatment success rate in the study area is very poor. Poor treatment outcomes were associated with undernutrition, female gender, HIV positivity and smear-negative pulmonary TB. So, continuous and serious supervision and monitoring of directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) program accomplishment, early detection of HIV and TB, prompt anti TB and antiretroviral treatment initiation and adherence, enhanced nutritional assessment, and counseling services need to be strengthened to improve treatment outcomes.

Profile and risk factors of pre-XDR-TB and XDR-TB patients in a national reference hospital for Sumatra region of Indonesia

The low treatment rate, low treatment success rate and high mortality rate of patients with pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (pre-XDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) need serious attention. The aim of this study was to describe the profiles of patients with pre-XDR-TB and XDR-TB cases and to determine associated risk factors of their incidence in Indonesia. A retrospective case-control study was conducted at H. Adam Malik General Hospital in Medan, North Sumatra of which all sensitive-drug TB (SD-TB), pre-XDR-TB, and XDR-TB patients aged 18 years or older treated between October 2019 to June 2022 were included. Chi-squared test or Kruskal Wallis test and multiple logistic regression were used to determine the risk factors associated with pre-XDR-TB and XDR-TB incidence. A total 16 patients of case group (15 pre-XDR-TB and one XDR-TB) and 116 SD-TB patients (control group) were included in the final analysis. Out of total patients within case group, 62.5% were male, 43.8% aged between 56-65 years, 62.5% graduated from high school or equivalent, and 25% were unemployed. The majority of patients had no comorbid (62.5%), had history of anti-TB treatment (93.8%), and had secondary resistance (93.8%). Multivariate analysis indicated that age (OR: 10.01; 95%CI: 1.49- 66.91, p=0.018) and previous history of anti-TB treatment (OR: 216.25; 95%CI: 18.62- 2511.60, p<0.001) were significantly associated with incidence of pre-XDR-TB and XDR-TB. This study highlights that having previous history of anti-TB treatment and older age are the predictors of the incidence of pre-XDR-TB and XDR-TB.

Treatment outcome and associated factors among adult patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in selected health centers in Addis Ababa Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

The success rate of pulmonary tuberculosis in developing countries is different than expected despite effective treatment. We evaluated treatment outcomes and associated factors of pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was employed among randomly selected health centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Patient records of adult pulmonary tuberculosis patients treated between January 1st, 2017, and December 31st, 2019 were reviewed. Convenient sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), version 24-computer software was used for analysis. Participants' characteristics were descriptively described, and Bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine independent variables related to clinical outcomes. The significance level was determined at p-value < 0.05 and a 95% confidence level.

RESULTS

Six hundred thirty-six patient records with a mean age of 37.49± 2.99 were reviewed. The overall treatment success rate was 84.9%. Absence of comorbid illness [AOR = 0.444; 95% CI:0.219-0.900], non-smoking [AOR = 0.35; 95% CI:0.194-0.645], and being HIV negative [AOR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.106-0.460] were associated with successful treatment outcomes, whereas, not having treatment supporter [AOR = 15.68; 95% CI: 8.11-30.33] was associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment success in this study was below the average target set by WHO. HIV positivity, co-morbidities, and smoking increased risk of treatment failure. Patient education about cessation may improve treatment success.

Determinants of Unsuccessful TB Treatment Outcomes Among Patients on Directly Observed Treatment Short Course in Jimma Town Health Facilities, Southwest Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study

Background

Even though Ethiopia's Federal Ministry of Health has been implementing several programs aimed at reducing the burden of tuberculosis (TB), It does not demonstrate adequate progress. As a result, identifying the determinants of unsuccessful outcomes of directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) is critical.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the determinants of unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes among patients with DOTS in Jimma town, southwest Ethiopia.

Patients and Methods

An unmatched case-control study using secondary data was conducted among 118 cases and 472 controls from April 1 to June 1, 2021. Cases were TB cases with unsuccessful treatment courses whereas controls were those of successful treatment. Data were collected using a standardized tool. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 23 software. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify the determinants.

Results

We found that the determinants including age > 35 years (AOR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.14-3.2), lack of contact person (AOR= 27, 95% CI: 15.8-46.3), being HIV positive (AOR=7.3, 95% CI: 3.7-14.2)), and being malnourished (AOR=4.5, 95% CI: 1.5-12.9) were significantly associated with unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment outcome.

Conclusion

In this study, advanced age, being HIV positive, lack of contact person, and being malnourished were determinant factors for unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes. Hence, careful monitoring, screening, and management of risk factors are recommended.

Prevalence of tuberculosis and associated factors among presumptive TB refugees residing in refugee camps in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) causes significant morbidity and mortality in refugee populations. Although Ethiopia is the third largest refugee-hosting country in Africa, there is limited published data on the prevalence and associated factors of TB in refugees. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB (PTB) and explore associated factors in presumptive TB refugees residing in refugee camps in Ethiopia.

METHODS

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted between February and August 2021 in refugee camps in Ethiopia. Data were collected consecutively from 610 presumptive TB refugees who attended for TB diagnosis in selected refugee camp clinics in Ethiopia. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data, and sputum samples were collected from eligible study participants. The Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)/Rifampicin (RIF) assay was performed on direct spot sputum samples, whereas morning sputum samples were processed and inoculated for bacteriological culture using Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) and Lowsteen Jensen (LJ) methods. The statistical software package (STATA version 14) was used for statistical analysis. A logistic regression model was used for the evaluation of the association between bacteriologically confirmed TB cases and the associated factors. Descriptive statistics were used for the expression of the results, and statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Out of 610 study participants, more than half were female (54.9%), and the mean age was 37.9 years (SD, 16.64). The prevalence of bacteriologically confirmed PTB cases among refugees residing in refugee camps in Ethiopia was 13.3% (95% CI, 10.7-16.2%) using the Xpert MTB/RIF assay and/or culture. MTB was detected in 12.8% (95% CI, 10.2-15.7%) of the individuals using the Xpert MTB/RIF assay, while culture positivity was observed in 11.6% (95% CI, 9.2-14.5%). The multivariable logistic regression model showed South Sudan origins (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 7.74; 95% CI, 3.05-19.64), age group, 19-38 years old (AOR = 5.66; 95% CI, 1.86-17.28), and male sex (AOR = 2.69; 95% CI, 1.58-4.56) were significantly associated with the bacteriologically confirmed TB among refugees residing in refugee camps in Ethiopia.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of bacteriologically confirmed PTB among presumptive TB refugees residing in refugee camps in Ethiopia was high. The national TB program should strengthen TB prevention and control activities in the refugee camps of Ethiopia. Moreover, an active TB survey program should be implemented in refugee camps in Ethiopia.

The effect of internal displacement due to armed conflict on tuberculosis treatment outcomes in northwest Syria, 2019-2020

Background

Northwest Syria accounts for over 4 million people of whom more than half are internally displaced persons (IDPs). More than 1 million IDPs reside in camps and many more live in settings which are overcrowded and poorly ventilated. Suboptimal social living conditions leave these populations susceptible to tuberculosis (TB) morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the effect of internal displacement due to armed conflict on the risk of unsuccessful treatment outcomes among TB patients in northwest Syria.

Methods

All patients registered to start TB treatment at three centres in northwest Syria between the 1st June 2019 to the 31st December 2020 were included. Unsuccessful TB treatment outcome was defined as a composite outcome combining the WHO TB treatment outcomes of treatment failure, loss to follow-up, and death. We assessed the association between internal displacement and unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes using multivariable logistic regression. We also explored the risk of an unsuccessful treatment outcome by internal displacement setting (camp, village or city).

Results

Of the total 737 registered patients included in the analysis, 400 (54%) were documented as internally displaced. The median age of IDPs was 30 (IQR: 21.5-48) and the median age of residents was 34 (IQR:22-50). A significantly higher percentage of those who were IDPs had an unsuccessful treatment outcome compared to residents (40% vs 18%, p<0.001). After adjustment for confounders, the relative risk of having unsuccessful TB treatment was two-fold higher in internally displaced TB patients compared to residents (95% CI: 1.5-2.6). IDPs living in villages had a 30% lower risk of an unsuccessful treatment outcome compared to IDPs living in camps (RR 95% CI: 0.50-0.91), and IDPs living in cities had a 13% lower risk of an unsuccessful treatment outcome (RR 95% CI: 0.57-1.18).

Conclusion

This is one of few studies which aims to quantify the effect of internal displacement on TB treatment outcomes during times of conflict. Our findings starkly highlight how social determinants contribute to poor TB outcomes and act as a starting point for much needed research on how best to manage TB in humanitarian crisis settings.

Prevalence and factors associated with sputum smear non-conversion after two months of tuberculosis treatment among smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Rwanda: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Non-conversion of sputum smear prolongs the infectivity of pulmonary tuberculosis patients and has been associated with unfavorable tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes. Nevertheless, there is a limited evidence on predictors of sputum smear non-conversion among smear-positive PTB (SPPTB) patients in Rwanda. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the factors associated with sputum smear non-conversion after two months of treatment among SPPTB patients in Rwanda.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among SPPTB patients registered in the national electronic TB reporting system by all health facilities countrywide (Rwanda) from July 2019 to June 2021. Eligible patients who had completed the first two months of anti-TB treatment and with smear results at the end of the second month of treatment were included in the study. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done using STATA version 16 to determine the factors associated with sputum smear non-conversion. Adjusted odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

This study included 7,211 patients. Of them, 632 (9%) patients had sputum smear non-conversion at the end of the second month of treatment. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age groups of 20-39 years (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.0-2.8) and 40-59 years (AOR:2, 95% CI: 1.1-3.3), history of first-line TB treatment failure (AOR = 2, 95% CI: 1.1-3.6), follow-up by community health workers(CHWs) (AOR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.5), BMI < 18.5 at TB treatment initiation (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2-1.8), and living in Northern Province of Rwanda (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0-2.0), were found to be significantly associated with sputum smear non-conversion after two months of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Sputum smear non-conversion among SPPTB patients remains low in Rwanda compared to countries of similar health care setting. Identified risk factors for sputum smear non-conversion among SPPTB patients in Rwanda were age (20-39 years, 40-59 years), history of first-line TB treatment failure, follow up by CHWs, BMI < 18.5 at TB treatment initiation and residence (Northern province).

Factors associated with the unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes in the northern regions of Namibia: a mixed methods study

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) is among the leading causes of death globally. The disease has a huge burden in Namibia, with a case notification rate of at least 442 per 100,000. To date, Namibia is among the countries with the highest global TB burden, despite all efforts to reduce it. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the unsuccessful treatment outcomes of the Directly Observed Therapy Short course (DOTS) programme in the Kunene and Oshana regions.

METHODS

The study utilised a mixed-methods explanatory-sequential design to collect data from all TB patient records and healthcare workers who work directly with the DOTS strategy for TB patients. The relationship between independent and dependent variables was analysed using multiple logistic regression analysis, while interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The overall treatment success rates of the Kunene and Oshana regions throughout the review period were 50.6% and 49.4%, respectively. The logistic regression analyses showed that in the Kunene region, the type of DOT used (Community-based DOTS) (aOR = 0.356, 95% CI: 0.835-2.768, p = 0.006) was statistically significant with the unsuccessful treatment outcomes. While in the Oshana region, age groups 21-30 years old (aOR = 1.643, 95% CI = 1.005-2.686, p = 0.048), 31-40 years old (aOR = 1.725, 95% CI = 11.026-2.9, p = 0.040), 41-50 years old (aOR = 2.003, 95% CI = 1.155-3.476, p = 0.013) and 51-60 years old (aOR = 2.106, 95% CI = 1.228-3.612, p = 0.007) had statistically significant associations with the poor TB-TO. Inductive thematic analysis revealed that patients in the Kunene region were challenging to reach owing to their nomadic lifestyle and the vastness of the area, adversely affecting their ability to observe TB therapy directly. In the Oshana region, it was found that stigma and poor TB awareness among adult patients, as well as mixing anti-TB medication with alcohol and tobacco products among adult patients, was a prevalent issue affecting TB therapy.

CONCLUSION

The study recommends that regional health directorates embark on rigorous community health education about TB treatment and risk factors and establish a robust patient observation and monitoring system to enhance inclusive access to all health services and ensure treatment adherence.

Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes among Migrants with Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Japan, 2009-2018

This study aimed to describe characteristics and treatment outcomes of overseas-born pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients in Japan, and identify the factors associated with "treatment non-success". We conducted a retrospective analysis of overseas-born patients with drug-susceptible PTB using cohort data of PTB cases newly registered in the Japan tuberculosis (TB) surveillance system between 2009 and 2018. Overall, 9151 overseas-born PTB cases were included in this study, and 70.3% were aged 34 years old or younger. "Students of high school and higher" (28.6%) and "regular workers other than service related sectors" (28.5%) accounted for over half of the study population, and they have continued to increase. Overall, the treatment success rate was 67.1%. Transferred-out constituted the largest proportion (14.8%) among the treatment non-success rate (32.9%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed patients whose health insurance type was "others and unknown", including the uninsured (adjusted OR (AOR) = 3.43: 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) 2.57-4.58), those diagnosed as TB within "one year" (AOR = 2.61, 95% CI 1.97-3.46) and "1-5 years" (AOR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.88-3.17) of arrival in Japan, and males (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.16-1.54), which were the main factors associated with treatment non-success. These findings imply that Japan needs to develop TB control activities considering the increasing trends of overseas-born PTB patients, the majority of whom are young and highly mobile. There is a need to pay greater attention to overseas-born PTB patients diagnosed within a short duration after entering Japan, who may be socially and economically disadvantaged for their treatment completion.

Determinants of unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment outcome in Northern Red Sea region, Eritrea

Background

Eritrea has achieved the global target (90%) for tuberculosis (TB) treatment success rate. Though, events of unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes (death, treatment failure, lost to follow up and not evaluated) could lead to further TB transmission and the development of resistant strains. Hence, factors related to these events should be explored and addressed. This study aims to fill the gap in evidence by identifying the determinants of unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes in Eritrea’s Northern Red Sea region.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Eritrea’s Northern Red Sea region. Data collected using a data extraction tool was analyzed using Stata version 13. Frequencies, proportions, median and standard deviations were used to describe the data. Furthermore, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the risk factors for unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes. Crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) presented and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Among 1227 TB patients included in this study, 9.6% had unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, TB cases 55–64 years old (AOR: 2.75[CI: 1.21–6.32], p = 0.016) and those ≥ 65 years old (AOR: 4.02[CI: 1.72–9.45], p = 0.001) had 2.7 and 4 times higher likelihood of unsuccessful TB treatment outcome respectively. In addition, HIV positive TB patients (AOR: 5.13[CI: 1.87–14.06], p = 0.002) were 5 times more likely to have unsuccessful TB treatment outcome. TB treatment in Ghindae Regional Referral Hospital (AOR: 5.01[2.61–9.61], p < 0.001), Massawa Hospital (AOR: 4.35[2.28–8.30], p< 0.001) and Nakfa Hospital (AOR: 2.53[1.15–5.53], p = 0.021) was associated with 5, 4 and 2.5 higher odds of unsuccessful TB treatment outcome respectively.

Conclusion

In this setting, old age, HIV co-infection and health facility were the independent predictors of unsuccessful TB treatment outcome.

Tuberculosis among refugees and migrant populations: Systematic review

Tuberculosis (TB) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among refugees and migrant populations. These groups are among the most vulnerable populations at increased risk of developing TB. However, there is no systematic review that attempts to summarize TB among refugees and migrant populations. This study aimed to summarize evidence on the magnitude of TB among refugees and migrant populations. The findings of this review will provide evidence to improve TB prevention and control policies in refugees and migrants in refugee camps and in migrant-hosting countries. A systematic search was done to retrieve the articles published from 2014 to 2021 in English language from electronic databases. Key searching terms were used in both free text and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH). Articles which had reported the magnitude of TB among refugees and migrant populations were included in the review. We assessed the risk of bias, and quality of the included studies with a modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Included studies which had reported incidence or prevalence data were eligible for data synthesis. The results were shown as summary tables. In the present review, more than 3 million refugees and migrants were screened for TB with the data collection period between 1991 and 2017 among the included studies. The incidence and prevalence of TB ranged from 19 to 754 cases per 100,000 population and 18.7 to 535 cases per 100,000 population respectively among the included studies. The current findings show that the most reported countries of origin in TB cases among refugees and migrants were from Asia and Africa; and the incidence and prevalence of TB among refugees and migrant populations is higher than in the host countries. This implies the need to implement and improve TB prevention and control in refugees and migrant populations globally.

Trial registration: The protocol of this review was registered on PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews) with ID number, CRD42020157619.

Predictors of loss to follow-up among adult tuberculosis patients in Southern Ethiopia: a retrospective follow-up study

Background

Loss to follow-up (LTFU) from tuberculosis (TB) treatment and care is a major public health problem as patients can be infectious and also may develop a multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB). The study aimed to assess whether LTFU differs by the distance TB patients travelled to receive care from the nearest health facility.

Methods

A total of 402 patient cards of TB patients who received care were reviewed from March 1–30, 2020. The Kaplan-Meir curve with the Log-rank test was used to compare differences in LTFU by the distance travelled to reach to the nearest health facility for TB care. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to identify predictors. All statistical tests are declared significant at a p-value< 0.05.

Results

A total of 37 patients were LTFU with the incidence rate of 11.26 per 1000 person-months of observations (PMOs) (95% CI: 8.15–15.53). The incidence rate ratio was 12.19 (95% CI: 5.01–35.73) among the groups compared (those who travelled 10 km or more versus those who travelled less than 10 km). Age ≥ 45 years (aHR = 7.71, 95% CI: 1.72, 34.50), educational status (primary schooling, aHR = 3.54, 95% CI: 1.49, 8.40; secondary schooling, aHR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.08, 7.03), lack of family support (aHR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.27, 6.19), nutritional support (aHR = 3.40, 95% CI:1.68, 6.89), ≥ 10 km distance to travel to a health facility (aHR = 6.06, 95% CI: 2.33, 15.81) had significantly predicted LTFU from TB treatment and care.

Conclusions

LTFU from adult TB care and treatment was 12 times higher among those who travelled ≥10 km to reach a health facility compared to those who travelled less. To retain adult TB patients in care and ensure appropriate treatment, health professionals and other stakeholders should give due attention to the factors that drive LTFU. We suggest identifying concerns of older patients at admission and those who travel long distance and establish social support platforms that could help people to complete TB treatment.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13390-8.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen-specific T cell responses in smear- negative pulmonary tuberculosis patients

Despite recent improvements in microbial detection, smear negative TB remains a diagnostic challenge. In this study, we investigated the potential discriminatory role of polychromatic flow cytometry of M. tuberculosis antigen-specific T cells to discriminate smear negative TB from health controls with or without latent TB infection, and non-TB respiratory illnesses in an endemic setting. A cross-sectional study was conducted on HIV negative, newly diagnosed smear-positive PTB (n=34), smear-negative/Gene Expert negative PTB (n=29) patients, non-TB patients with respiratory illness (n=33) and apparently healthy latent TB infected (n = 30) or non-infected (n = 23) individuals. The expression of activation (HLA-DR, CD-38), proliferation (Ki-67) and functional (IFN-γ, TNF-α) T cell markers using polychromatic flow cytometry was defined after stimulation with PPD antigens. Sputum samples were collected and processed from all patients for Mtb detection using a concentrated microscopy, LJ/MGIT culture, and RD9 typing by PCR. Our study showed CD4 T cells specific for PPD co-expressed activation/proliferation markers together with induced cytokines IFNγ or TNFα were present at substantially higher levels among patients with smear positive and smear negative pulmonary TB than among healthy controls and to a lesser extent among patients with non-TB illness. Our study conclude that Smear negative TB can be distinguished from non-TB respiratory illness and healthy controls with a flow cytometric assay for PPD-specific T cells co-expressing activation/proliferation markers and cytokines.

Impact of HIV-AIDS on tuberculosis treatment outcome in Southern Ethiopia - A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Globally, the Tuberculosis treatment success rate was worse for HIV-positive TB patients compared with HIV- negative TB patients. This study aimed at determining the impact of HIV-AIDS and factors associated with TB treatment outcomes.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective cohort study of five years of tuberculosis data from four public health facilities in Hosanna Town. A total of 604 study participants were included using a systematic random sampling technique. Descriptive analysis of ratios, rates, and proportions was done and binary logistic regression, bivariable and multivariable, analysis was also done.

RESULT

A total of 604 TB patients were enrolled in this study. 302 (50%) were HIV co-infected. The overall treatment success rate was 90.1% (544/604). Treatment success rates are 86.4% (261/302) for TB-HIV co-infected patients and 93.7% (283/302) for non-co-infected patients. TB-HIV co-infected patients had a higher risk of an unsuccessful treatment outcome (Adjusted Relative Risk [ARR]: 2.7; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.4 - 5.2). The risk of unsuccessful treatment outcome is also higher among rural residents (ARR: 3.3; CI: 1.4 - 5.0), patients on the re-treatment category (ARR: 2.7; CI: 1.4 - 5.1), and with chronic disease (ARR: 3.3; CI: 1.3 - 8.1).

CONCLUSION

TB treatment success rate is good as compared to the WHO minimum requirement. Successful treatment outcome is lower among patients with HIV infection, rural residents, patients on re-treatment, and patients with chronic disease. Therefore, due emphasis should be given to these high-risk groups.

Tuberculosis treatment outcome and associated factors among tuberculosis patients at Wolayta Sodo Teaching and Referral Hospital, Southern Ethiopia: a retrospective study

Background: Tuberculosis is a major public health problem throughout the world particularly in resource limited countries. Measuring and reporting of TB treatment outcomes and identifying associated factors are fundamental part of TB treatment. The aim of this study was to assess TB treatment outcome and associated factors among TB patients in Wolayta Sodo Teaching and Referral Hospital, Southern Ethiopia.

Design and Method: Facility based retrospective cohort study was conducted in Wolayta Sodo Teaching and Referral Hospital. All TB patients who registered during September 2014 to August 2019 and had known treatment outcome were included in the study. The data were collected using pretested structured data extraction format that included demographic, clinical and treatment outcome variables. SPSS Version 23 for windows was used for data processing. Bivariate and multivariate analysis with 95% confidence interval (CI) was employed to infer associations between the independent and dependent variables.

Results: Of total 232 TB patients included in the study, 54.3% were male, 80.2% were urban residents, 65.9% were pulmonary TB (PTB). From the total 153 PTB cases, 31.5% were smear positive, 17.2% were HIV co-infected and all of them were on antiretroviral treatment. Most, 97.0% of the TB cases were newly diagnosed and all were treated as first line treatment category. The overall treatment success rate was 82.5% (28% cured 54.3% completed), 11.2% loss to follow-up, 4.7% dead and 0.9% treatment failure. The treatment success rate of HIV co-infected TB patients was 77.5%. There was no significant association between TB treatment outcome and age, sex, residence, type of TB, category of patients and HIV status.

Conclusion: The treatment success rate was low (82.5%) which is below the 90% threshold defined standard with high proportion of patient’s lost to follow-up (11.2%). A higher number of transfer-out cases were recorded in this study. Thus, supervision and monitoring of DOTs implementation, improved counseling service, mechanisms for lost to follow-up patients should be strengthen. Establish efficient referral and contact tracing mechanisms for transferred-out cases and document their treatment outcomes of status is also fundamental.

Unsuccessful treatment outcome and associated factors among smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Kepong district, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes among new smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients and identify the risk factors of unsuccessful treatment outcomes in Kepong district, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using registry-based data from the Tuberculosis Information System (TBIS) between 2014 and 2018. Simple random sampling was used to select 734 males and 380 females from the TBIS registry. Smear-positive PTB patient's sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral characteristics were extracted and analyzed. Logistic regression was used to find the possible independent risk factors for unsuccessful treatment outcomes.

Findings

The treatment success rate was 77.20% (n = 860) which was still below the target set by the WHO (>90%). In total, 254 patients showed an unsuccessful treatment outcome: 106 died, 99 defaulted, 47 not evaluated and 2 showed treatment failure. Unsuccessful treatment outcome was significantly associated with older age, male gender, non-citizen, unemployment and being HIV positive.

Originality/value

The study focuses on all these contributing factors of unsuccessful treatment outcome for a better risk assessment and stratification of TB patients and identify effective surveillance and management strategies to strengthen the control programs of tuberculosis in Kepong district.

Tuberculosis (TB) in the refugee camps in Ethiopia: trends of case notification, profile, and treatment outcomes, 2014 to 2017

BACKGROUND

Severity of TB increases in refugee populations. Monitoring TB case notification and treatment outcomes are essential to improve the effectiveness of TB programs. This study aimed to investigate trends in TB case notification and treatment outcomes and explore factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome in refugee camps in Ethiopia.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, demographic and clinical data of all TB cases registered in 25 refugee camps in Ethiopia from January 2014 to December 2017 were extracted. Multivariate logistic regression was fitted to estimate odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals for the measure of association linked with factors significantly associated with unsuccessful treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 1553 TB cases, mean age 27.7 years, were registered from 2014 to 2017. Of these notified cases 54.7% were men, 27.7% children (< 15 years), 71.2% pulmonary TB (PTB), 27.8% Extra-PTB (EPTB) and 98.3% new and relapse. From 2014 to 2017: there was consistent increase in number of notified TB cases (138 to 588 cases), in percentage of EPTB (23.2 to 32.7%), in contribution of children to total TB cases (18.8 to 30.1%) and to EPTB (40.6 to 65.1%), and in proportion of bacteriologically confirmed new and relapse pulmonary cases (43.8 to 64.8%). Treatment success rates for all TB cases remained lower at 72.7-79.4%. On average 24.8% had unfavorable treatment outcome, including 11.5% not evaluated, 8.0% LTFU, 4.8% died and 0.5% treatment failed. Unsuccessful treatment was significantly associated with pretreatment weight below 40 Kg, age over 45 years, and being HIV positive.

CONCLUSIONS

There was continuous increase in notified TB cases and in percentage of childhood TB. Proportion of bacteriologically confirmed new and relapse pulmonary cases increased overtime. TB treatment success remained lower than the national achievement in 2017 (96%) and global target (> = 90%), which needs improvement. The higher LTFU, not evaluated, and death suggests the need to strengthen adherence education and supervision. Special socio-economic support and monitoring is required for patients with pretreatment weight below 40 Kg, age over 45 years and HIV positives.

Impact of HIV status and predictors of successful treatment outcomes among tuberculosis patients: A six-year retrospective cohort study

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health problem. Hence, the study aimed to assess the impact of human immune virus (HIV) status and predictors of successful treatment outcomes of TB patients enrolled at Nekemte specialized hospital. An institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted and the data analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify the association between treatment outcome and potential predictor variables. The association was calculated using the Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR) and the statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. Out of the total 506 study participants, 50.2% of them were males. The overall treatment success rate was 81.4% and 58.06% among HIV co-infected TB patients. Female sex (AOR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.04–16.11), age 25–34 years (AOR = 3.982, 95%CI: 1.445–10.971), age 35–49 years (AOR = 5.392, 95%CI: 1.674–17.368), high school educational level (AOR = 5.330, 95% CI: 1.753–16.209), urban residence (AOR = 3.093, 95%CI: 1.003–9.541) and HIV negative (AOR = 10.3, 95%CI, 3.216–32.968) were positively associated with favorable TB treatment outcome. Whereas, being single (AOR = 0.293, 95%CI: 0.1–0.854), smear-negative pulmonary TB (AOR = 0.360, 95%CI: 0.156–0.834), extra-pulmonary TB (AOR = 0.839, 95%CI: 0.560–0.955) and retreatment case (AOR: 0.54, 95%CI: 0.004–0.098) were negatively associated with successful treatment outcome. The treatment success rate of TB patients was lower than World Health Organization target set of 85%. The increased unsuccessful outcome among TB/HIV patients requires urgent public health interventions to improve the evaluation policy and control framework.

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Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health problem.

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TB is the leading cause of death for HIV-infected patients, and HIV is also risk factor for developing active TB.

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The co-infection has emerged as a major public health threat throughout the world and have worse treatment outcomes.

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Management of co-infected patients can be complex because of overlapping drug toxicities and interactions.

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The increased unsuccessful outcome among TB/HIV patients requires urgent public health interventions.

Level of and associated factors for non-adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment among tuberculosis patients in Gamo Gofa zone, southern Ethiopia: cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Non-adherence to anti-TB treatment is one of the crucial challenges in improving tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. The poor adherence to anti-TB treatment among patients with TB is a major problem in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the level of and associated factors for non-adherence to anti-TB therapy among patients with tuberculosis in the Gamo Gofa Zone.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Gamo Gofa Zone from July 20 - August 30, 2017. A multi-stage sampling technique was used. The study included 289 patients who were on anti-TB treatment. Data were collected by trained data collectors using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire through interviews. A multiple logistic regression model was fitted using SPSS 23 to identify factors associated with non-adherence to anti-TB treatment at a 5% significance level.

RESULTS

We found that 16.5% of the participants were non-adherent for anti-TB treatment. Failure to disclose one's TB status to his or her family (AOR = 31.7; 95% CI: 9.1-111.1), having no information on the expected adverse events (AOR = 31.1; 95% CI: 7.5-128.3), past anti-TB treatment history (AOR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.5-18.8) and a smoking cigarette (AOR = 11.7; 95% CI: 3.2-43.03) were found to be associated with a higher odds of being non-adherent to anti-TB treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The level of non-adherence to anti-TB treatment among TB patients was high. Health care providers should counsel TB patients on the expected adverse events and measures to be taken when patients face the expected adverse events. They should also counsel their patients to disclose their TB status to his or her family and for ceasing cigarette smoking.

Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes and Associated Factors Among Patients Treated at Woldia General Hospital in Northeast Ethiopia: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Tuberculosis remains a major global health problem. It causes ill-health among millions of people each year and ranks alongside the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a leading cause of death worldwide. For effective tuberculosis control, it is a prerequisite to detect the cases as early as possible and to ensure that the tuberculosis patients complete their treatment and get cured. However, the burden of the problem is still a national issue, and there is a scarcity of research to show treatment outcomes and associated factors of tuberculosis at the North Wollo Zone, specifically Woldia.

Methods

Institution-based, retrospective register-based data were collected from medical records of tuberculosis patients from 2015 up to 2018 at Woldia General Hospital. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, and multiple logistic regression methods were used to investigate the association between independent and dependent variables. A P-value of less than 5% was considered statistically significant in the final model.

Results

The prevalence of successful tuberculosis treatment outcomes was 80.7%. Among all patients, 73% were pulmonary tuberculosis cases. This study results show that age less than 24 years old [AOR: 4.7; 95% CI (1.3–10.1)], male sex [AOR: 2.8; 95% CI (2.1–4.8)], year of registration in 2018 [AOR: 4.8; 95% CI (3.9–7.4)], and HIV negative status [AOR: 3.9; 95% CI (1.4–10.7)]  were found to be significantly associated factors with the treatment outcomes of tuberculosis.

Conclusion

The study showed that nearly 20% of tuberculosis patients had an unsuccessful treatment outcome. Older age, female sex, year of registration in 2015, and being HIV positive were found significantly associated with poor tuberculosis treatment outcomes. Therefore, targeted measures should be considered to decrease poor TB treatment outcomes among high-risk patients through careful monitoring, making the DOTs program more accessible, counseling, and linking HIV patients.

Treatment outcome of tuberculosis patient of Samtse General Hospital, Bhutan

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major public health problems in Bhutan. Evaluation of treatment outcomes of TB and identification of the risk factors are important components for the success of National TB control program. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess the TB treatment outcome and factors associated with it in Samtse General Hospital.

Methods

This was a retrospective, cross sectional study using the TB data from Samtse General Hospital from 2008-2019. A univariate and multiple logistic regression was used to check for associations between the outcome and other independent variables.

Results

The study included a total of 634 TB patients. Of this, 44.0% (279) were smear positive TB (PTB+), 36.1% (229) were extra pulmonary TB (EPTB) and 19.9% (126) were smear negative TB (PTB-). During the study period, 56.2% (356) of them completed treatment, 33.3% (211) were declared cured, 0.2% (1) had defaulted, 5.1% (32) died and 5.4% (34) had treatment failure. The mean treatment success rate (TSR) was 89.4% (567). The TSR was highest for EPTB with 96.9% (222/229), followed by PTB- at 88.1% (111/126) and lowest for PTB+ with 83.9% (234/279). Successful treatment outcome was observed in EPTB patients (AOR: 7.3; 95% CI: 2.46-21.36), patients in age 15-28 years (AOR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.59-7.46) and 29-42 years (AOR: 9.1; 95% CI: 2.44-33.61).

Conclusion

The treatment outcome of TB in Samtse General Hospital is satisfactory and at par with the national level. Since, smear positive TB and elderly patients are prone to develop poor treatment outcome, they need to be monitored and followed up adequately.

[Factors associated with unsuccessful treatment of patients with drug-sensitive tuberculosis in Paraguay]

Objetivo.

Determinar los factores asociados con el tratamiento no exitoso en pacientes diagnosticados con tuberculosis (TB) sensible en Paraguay.

Métodos.

Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo, con datos recolectados del programa nacional entre enero de 2016 y marzo de 2017. Se definió tratamiento no exitoso como pacientes que se perdieron en el seguimiento, fracasaron en el tratamiento o fallecieron. Los factores asociados con tratamiento no exitoso se determinaron con regresión de Poisson; se estimó el riesgo relativo (RR) y el intervalo de confianza de 95% (IC95%) ajustados por región sanitaria.

Resultados.

Se estudiaron 3 034 casos: 2 189 (72,1%) tuvieron tratamiento exitoso (curados: 1 221 [40,2%], tratamiento completo: 968 [31,9%]) y 845 (27,9%) presentaron tratamiento no exitoso (fracaso: 40 [1,3%], pérdida de seguimiento: 466 [15,4%] y fallecidos: 339 [11,2%]). Los factores asociados a tratamiento no exitoso fueron hombres 1,28 (1,14- 1,42), indígenas 1,30 (1,09- 1,54), sin reporte de área de residencia 1,27 (1,02- 1,57), coinfección TB/VIH 1,97 (1,63- 2,38), adicción a drogas ilícitas 1,38 (1,16- 1,63), consumo de alcohol 1,25 (1,02- 1,52), ser previamente tratado 1,23 (1,10- 1,38) y sin datos de supervisión del tratamiento 4,92 (3,69- 6,56). Como factores protectores se consideran ser persona privada de libertad 0,65 (0,47- 0,89), así como la comorbilidad TB/diabetes 0,80 (0,67- 0,95).

Conclusión.

Paraguay presenta un alto porcentaje de tratamiento no exitoso en casi todo el país, sin alcanzar la meta propuesta por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Los factores de riesgo asociados como infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), consumo de drogas licitas e ilícitas y el ser indígena revela que es necesario revisar las estrategias dirigidas con abordaje interinstitucional.

Tuberculosis treatment outcomes among prisoners and general population in Zomba, Malawi

BACKGROUND

TB remains a major global health problem. It is particularly prevalent in prisons in sub-Saharan Africa due to overcrowding, malnutrition, high HIV prevalence and insufficient medical services. Prisoners have experienced worse TB treatment outcomes than the general population. The researchers investigated the TB treatment outcomes and predictors of unsuccessful treatment outcomesamong prisoners and the general population in Zomba, Malawi.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed TB registers of prisoners and the general population diagnosed with TB from January 2011 to December 2016 at Zomba Maximum Central Prison and Zomba Central Hospital, Malawi. The study used routinely collected data extracted from national, standardized TB treatment monitoring tools. Successful treatment outcome was classified as the total for cured and completed treatment while unsuccessful treatment outcome was classified as the total of deaths and treatment failures. We used descriptive statistics to compare the demographics and TB treatment parameters among prisoners and non - prisoners and computed multivariate analysis to predict the independent factors of unsuccessful treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 1652 registered cases, 27% were prisoners (all males) and 72% were non-prisoners (58% males). The median age was 35 years (IQR: 29-42); 76% were Pulmonary TB cases (78% among prisoners vs 75% among general population); 83% were new TB cases (77% among prisoners vs 86% among general population); and 65% were HIV positive (50% among prisoners vs 71% among general population). Regarding treatment outcome, 1472 (89%) were cured and/or completed treatment (93% among prisoners vs 88% among general population), 2(0.2%) were treatment failures, 122 (8%) died (5% among prisoners vs 8% among general population) and 55 (3%) were not evaluated (1% among prisoners vs 4% among general population). Unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes were associated with age greater than 35 years (aOR = 0.68: 95% C.I: 0.58-0.80), Extra-Pulmonary TB (aOR = 1.69: 95% C.I: 1.08-2.63) andHIV positive status (aOR = 0.63: 95% C.I: 0.42-0.94).

CONCLUSION

Maximum prisons provide a stable population that can be easily monitored throughout the course of TB treatment. Good TB treatment outcomes which are comparable to the general population can be achieved among Malawian prisoners despite the challenging prison conditions.

Determinants of tuberculosis treatment outcome under directly observed treatment short courses in Adama City, Ethiopia

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death among infectious agents, ranking above HIV/AIDS. Though much effort has been done, Ethiopia remained one of those countries which share the greatest burden of TB. Evaluating the TB treatment outcome is one method of TB control measures. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess TB treatment outcome and its determinants under directly observed treatment short courses in Adama City, Central Ethiopia.

Method

An institutional based cross sectional study was conducted in all public and private health facilities of Adama city from March 1^st 2016 to December 31^st, 2016. The data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 21.0 statistical software. The results were presented using descriptive statistics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate the potential determinants of unsuccessful treatment outcome.

Results

Among 281 patients evaluated, 90(32%) were cured, 137(48.8%) have completed the treatment, 4(1.4%) were treatment failure, 36(12.8%) were lost to follow up, and 14 (5%) died. The overall treatment success rate was 80.8%. Age 15–24 (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 4.97; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.13–21.90), distance less than 5 kilometers from treatment center (AOR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.42–6.77), being seronegative for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (AOR: 20.38; 95% CI: 7.80–53.24) were associated with successful TB treatment outcome.

Conclusion

The treatment outcome of all forms tuberculosis patients in Adama city was unsatisfactory when referred with the national pooled estimate of 86% and WHO 2030 international target of ≥90%. Thus, enhancing client supervision, treatment monitoring; and working on provision TB treatment services at nearby health facilities should be a priority concern to improve the success rate of treatment outcome. Further studies are also recommended to explore important factors which were not examined by current study.

Factors predictive of the success of tuberculosis treatment: A systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To produce pooled estimates of the global results of tuberculosis (TB) treatment and analyze the predictive factors of successful TB treatment.

METHODS

Studies published between 2014 and 2019 that reported the results of the treatment of pulmonary TB and the factors that influenced these results. The quality of the studies was evaluated according to the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. A random effects model was used to calculate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). This review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) in February 2019 under number CRD42019121512.

RESULTS

A total of 151 studies met the criteria for inclusion in this review. The success rate for the treatment of drug-sensitive TB in adults was 80.1% (95% CI: 78.4-81.7). America had the lowest treatment success rate, 75.9% (95% CI: 73.8-77.9), and Oceania had the highest, 83.9% (95% CI: 75.2-91.0). In children, the success rate was 84.8% (95% CI: 77.7-90.7); in patients coinfected with HIV, it was 71.0% (95% CI: 63.7-77.8), in patients with multidrug-resistant TB, it was 58.4% (95% CI: 51.4-64.6), in patients with and extensively drug-resistant TB it was 27.1% (12.7-44.5). Patients with negative sputum smears two months after treatment were almost three times more likely to be successfully treated (OR 2.7; 1.5-4.8), whereas patients younger than 65 years (OR 2.0; 1.7-2.4), nondrinkers (OR 2.0; 1.6-2.4) and HIV-negative patients (OR 1.9; 1.6-2.5 3) were two times more likely to be successfully treated.

CONCLUSION

The success of TB treatment at the global level was good, but was still below the defined threshold of 85%. Factors such as age, sex, alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of sputum conversion at two months of treatment and HIV affected the success of TB treatment.

Trend Analysis And Seasonality Of Tuberculosis Among Patients At The Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study

Purpose

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 leading killer diseases in developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess the trend analysis and seasonality of TB at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods and patients

A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted on 8,001 patients by reviewing all available patients’ data from January 1, 2015 to April 30, 2019, at the Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia. Socio-demographic characteristics and results of the GeneXpert assay were taken from the registration book. The data were entered into EpiData 3.1 and analyzed by using the statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.

Results

From a total of 8,001 samples tested using Genexpert, the overall prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance was found to be 1,254 (15.7%) and 53 (4.1%), respectively. A decreasing trend of TB prevalence was observed, and decreased from 19.3% in 2015, 18.6% in 2016, to 18.4% in 2017, 13.5% in 2018 and down to 13.0% in 2019 (P-value<0.001). The maximum number of TB cases were reported during autumn (454, 17.1%) and summer (310, 17.2%) compared to other seasons of all the study period. Being between the ages of 15–29 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.41–1.98), of male gender (AOR=0.84, 95% CI=0.75–0.96), experiencing a relapse of TB (AOR=0.51, 95% CI=0.35–0.78), and being HIV positive (AOR=0.51, 95% CI=0.3–0.86) were found to be factors associated with high proportion of tuberculosis.

Conclusion

Prevalence of TB has decreased year to year between January 2015 and April 2019. However, a high percentage of patients are still testing positive for TB with different seasonal variations. Thus, understanding and managing TB in seasonal variation, controlling relapse of TB, and screening of all HIV positive patients are recommended steps to reduce the transmission of tuberculosis in Ethiopia.