Predictors of treatment outcomes among hospitalized multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Nigeria: A retrospective analysis

Abstract

Despite concerted efforts to end the tuberculosis epidemic by 2030, increasing cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) have warranted up-to-date data to inform targeted policy actions needed to battle this health issue.  This study evaluates treatment outcomes and associated factors among patients admitted to different multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) specialized treatment centres in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. This was a retrospective, hospital-based, cohort study conducted in twelve (12) MDR–TB specialized treatment centres in Nigeria between January 2012 and December 2018. Data was extracted from the medical records of 832 patients using a structured proforma. Treatment outcomes were categorized as successful (cured, treatment completed) or unsuccessful (non-adherent, treatment failure or death). Relevant bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were done to assess the factors associated with treatment outcomes as well as predictors of successful treatment outcomes. All data analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. In the treatment centres, a calculated successful treatment outcome of 85.9% was achieved. The analysis revealed strong associations between treatment outcomes and various factors, including age (p < 0.001), HIV status (p = 0.038), presence of comorbidities (p < 0.01), and treatment history (p = 0.023). Notably, age, geopolitical zone of treatment, and the presence of comorbidities emerged as significant predictors of successful treatment outcomes.