Ambulatory and Community Based Treatment of Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis: A Preliminary Report from Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Ambulatory and Community-based treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) has been practiced in other countries for several years with reports of successful outcomes. In Nigeria, it is a new concept that has not been evaluated in terms of feasibility and patients’ acceptance. The study evaluated the performance and feasibility of ambulatory and community based treatment of multi drug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) in Benue state, Nigeria. A retrospective cross sectional study of MDRTB patients in Benue State who were on ambulatory or community based treatment for at least 8 months was undertaken. A review of clinical records of the patients, reports of the monitoring officer and minutes of meetings of the consortium of experts on MDRTB were used. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version16. Qualitative was expressed as percentages while observations were documented. Forty (40) MDR TB patients were on treatment for least 8 months. There were 29(72.5%) males and 11(27.5%) females (M: F ratio 2.6:1) with a mean age of 39.2years (range19-65years).TB/ HIV co-infection rate was 27%. Twenty two (55%) out of the 40 patients had previous tuberculosis treatment with first line medications. The most common side effects were hearing loss (32.5%) and arthralgia (7.5%), while myalgia, dizziness and haematemesis were also present. Case holding was 95%, while 2(5%) patients were lost to follow up. Ambulatory and community based treatment of MDRTB is feasible. There are challenges of documentation, funding of treatment and related activities.