RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis in its pulmonary and extra-pulmonary form is still a common finding in the developing world. This study was to investigate the impact of a period of scarcity of automobile fuel in the Niger-Delta area of Nigeria on attendance at a Tuberculosis Referral Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. METHODS: Data was collected on attendance before, during and after the scarcity. This Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Centre is run by a German non-governmental organization. (NGO), and the State's Ministry of Health. No user fee is charged. RESULTS: During the period of scarcity of automobile fuel, the total 12-months attendance of males decreased to 25.1% of that before the advent of scarcity. Attendance rose in the post-scarcity period, but reached only 78.5% of the pre-scarcity level. For females, the 12 months attendance during the scarcity period reduced to 75.3% of the pre-scarcity level. The 12-months attendance by females rose in the post-scarcity period to 109.2% above the pre-scarcity level. There was no evidence of an increase in attendance over the course of the period of automobile fuel scarcity among either males or females. CONCLUSION: The scarcity of automobile fuel which usually translated to an increase in cost of transportation probably increased the number of untreated tuberculosis patients in the population with potential serious long term health implications. The provision of vehicles as well as facility for storage of automobile fuel to this referral Centre by either the NGO or the Ministry of Health is suggested. This would allow the Centre carry out domiciliary service to these patients.