Conference abstract
Factors associated with tuberculosis treatment outcomes in Opuwo District Hospital- Kunene Region, Namibia 2013-2015
Pan African Medical Journal - Conference Proceedings. 2017:3(52).23
Oct 2017.
doi: 10.11604/pamj-cp.2017.3.52.199
Archived on: 23 Oct 2017
Contact the corresponding author
Keywords: Factors, tuberculosis, treatment outcomes
Oral presentation
Factors associated with tuberculosis treatment outcomes in Opuwo District Hospital- Kunene Region, Namibia 2013-2015
Silas Nghishihange1, Kofi Nyarko1,&, Micheal Shikongo1, Ligola Akwenye1
1Namibia Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Windhoek, Namibia
&Corresponding author
Kofi Nyarko, Namibia Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Windhoek, Namibia
Introduction: globally, tuberculosis (TB) causes about 1.5 million deaths annually. Namibia is among the high burden TB countries with high mortality rates (33/100 000). Tuberculosis is curable; however, treatment outcomes can be influenced by various factors. We conducted a study to describe patients on anti-TB medication and to identify factors associated with poor treatment outcomes in Opuwo District Hospital, 2013-2015.
Methods: we conducted a descriptive, cross sectional study by reviewing TB patient’s treatment cards from 2013-2015. Data were described in respect of person, place and time. We generated frequencies and proportions. Chi-square test of significance was used to determine association at p-value < 0.05. Logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with treatment outcomes and the results were presented as Odds Ratio with 95% confidence interval.
Results: a total of 358 patients were on TB treatment with the case fatality of 6% (n = 21). The majority 53% (191/358) were males while 47% (167/358) females. The mean age of patients who were on treatment was 35 years, (SD 17, 6), ranged from (1-84) years. Most patients on treatment were from rural areas 71% (291/358). Of 358, 26% (n = 92) patients have completed treatment while 13% (48/358) were lost to follow up. Lost to follow was significantly higher among rural residents, compare to urban residents, (OR = 5, 95% CI: 1.18-21.0). Being employed was protective against loss to follow up compare to those who were unemployed (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.15-0.58). Dying from TB while on treatment was associated with TB co-infected with HIV, (OR = 4.0, 95% CI: 1.7-10.23).
Conclusion: employment status, HIV status and residential addresses were associated with tuberculosis treatment outcome. Health education on importance of TB treatment adherence was conducted. We recommend a comprehensive study to determine the factor associated with lost to follow up among TB patient.
