Tuberculosis Treatment Uptake and Outcomes Among HIV-Positive Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy at a Tertiary Health Facility in South-South, Nigeria

Abstract

Background There is a significant intersection between Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV, which has contributed greatly to the disease burden, especially in Nigeria. Among approximately 1.9 million people living with HIV (PLHIV), an estimated 46,000 also had TB in 2019 alone. HIV-associated TB incidence has continuously increased nationally. It is important to understand how PLHIV with TB undergo treatment because this is essential for improving outcomes. This study assessed the uptake of TB treatment and evaluated outcomes among PLHIV receiving antiretroviral therapy at a tertiary healthcare facility in South-South Nigeria. Methods The study was a hospital-based retrospective cohort study, that reviewed the records of 213 PLHIV treated for TB between January 2015 and December 2019. Patient records were examined and data extracted using a structured pro forma. Analysis was done with IBM SPSS version 26 using descriptive statistics (frequencies and Percentages) and inferential statistics (chi-square test) with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results All participants were enrolled in the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP). Of these, 182 individuals (85.5%) successfully completed the full 24-week course of anti-tuberculosis therapy. Treatment outcomes were classified separately, with 99 (46.5%) patients cured and 74 (34.7%) completing treatment without bacteriological confirmation, 28 (13.1%) discontinued treatment prematurely, and 12 (5.6%) were referred to other healthcare facilities for continued care. Conclusion TB treatment outcomes among PLHIV were suboptimal, with notable levels of default and transfer-out. Outcomes were significantly associated with socio-demographic factors and treatment duration. Strengthening adherence, support mechanisms and improving access to affordable diagnostic monitoring services may enhance TB treatment outcomes among PLHIV.