Perceived obstacles to optimal detection of tuberculosis cases among PHC workers in Osun and Oyo state, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: TB cases detected in Nigeria are still far below WHO target of 70% despite adoption of DOTS strategy since 1994 with subsequent expansion of treatment to primary health centers where diagnosis and treatment is done mainly by general health care workers. However, the extent of adherence to standard guideline by such cadre is unknown. Aims & Objective: This study aimed at assessing the knowledge on TB diagnosis and treatment by PHC workers in Osun and Oyo States. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 280 general health care workers in 23 health care facilities selected using multistage sampling technique. Interviewed was done with a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire in November, 2007. Results: Majority of the respondents (41%) are Community health extension workers i.e115 (41.1%) while 76 (27.1%) are nurses and 37 (13.2%) pharmacists. Knowledge on TB causation and mode of transmission was found to be relatively high as about 200 (71.4%) correctly describe TB as a microbial infection and about 216 (77.1%) knew airborne route as mode of transmission. When asked to define DOTS, 62.5% of the health workers gave a correct definition with only 109 (38.9%) abled to list the 4 main drugs given during intensive phase of treatment. In addition, about half of the respondents (52.5%) knew that treatment last for 8 months. Conclusion: The findings in this study several knowledge gaps on directly observed treatment short course therapy among healthcare providers. Multiple strategies are required to improve health care workers\' knowledge and practice of Tuberculosis control.