Improving TB Case Detection Through Active Case-Finding: Results of Multiple Intervention Strategies in Hard-to-Reach Riverine Areas of Southern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: A major challenge to TB control globally is low case detection, largely due to routine health facility-based passive case-finding employed by national TB control programs. Active case-finding is a risk-population-based screening approach that has been established to be effective in TB control. This intervention aimed to increase TB case detection in hard-to-reach areas in southern Nigeria. METHODS: Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, we conducted implementation research in 15 hard-to-reach riverine local government areas with historically recognized low TB case notification rates. Individuals with TB symptoms were screened using multiple strategies. Data were collected quarterly over a 4-year period using reporting tools and checklists. Descriptive analysis was done with Microsoft Excel spreadsheet 2019. RESULTS: A total of 1,089,129 individuals were screened: 16,576 in 2017; 108,102 in 2018; 697,165 in 2019; and 267,286 in 2020. Of those screened, 24,802 (2.3%) were identified as presumptive TB, of which 88.8% were tested and 10% were diagnosed with TB (0.23% of those screened). TB notifications more than doubled, increasing by 183.3% and 137.5% in the initial implementation and scale-up, respectively. On average, 441 individuals needed to be screened to diagnose 1 TB case. The cases, predominantly males (56.1%) and aged 15 years and older (77.4%), comprised 71.9% bacteriologically confirmed drug-sensitive TB, 25.8% clinically diagnosed drug-sensitive TB, and 2.3% drug-resistant cases. Detection sources included community outreach (1,786), health facilities (505), people living with HIV (57), and household contacts of bacteriologically confirmed TB cases (123). Remarkably, 98.1% of diagnosed TB cases commenced treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant yield in TB case notifications, more than doubling the baseline figures. Given these successful results, we recommend prioritizing resources to support active case-finding strategies in national programs, especially in hard-to-reach areas with high-risk populations, to address TB more comprehensively.

Is there still yaws in Nigeria? Active case search in endemic areas of southern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Yaws is a disease caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue, which is most commonly seen among children below 15 years. In the twentieth century yaws was endemic in Nigeria but eradication strategies markedly reduced the disease burden. Currently there is minimal data on the ongoing transmission of yaws in Nigeria, despite reports of confirmed yaws cases in neighbouring West African countries. METHODS: We conducted both community and school-based active yaws case search among school-aged children in southeast Nigeria. Children were screened by trained community volunteers. Suspected yaws cases were clinically reviewed and tested using rapid diagnostic serological tests. RESULTS: Between February and May 2021, up to 28 trained community volunteers screened a total of 105,015 school children for yaws. Overall, 7,706 children with various skin lesions were identified. Eight (8) suspected cases of yaws were reported, reviewed and screened, but none was confirmed using rapid diagnostic tests. The four most common skin conditions identified were scabies (39%), papular urticaria (29%), tinea corporis (14%) and tinea capitis (12%). CONCLUSIONS: No case of yaws was confirmed in this large population of children in south-east Nigeria. Continuous community awareness and yaws case finding activities have been recommended across Nigeria.

Effectiveness of self-care interventions for integrated morbidity management of skin neglected tropical diseases in Anambra State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Lymphatic filariasis (LF), Buruli ulcer (BU) and leprosy are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) of the skin co-endemic in some communities in Nigeria. Not enough is known about the effectiveness of integrated morbidity management and disability prevention in people with these conditions. An integrated self-care intervention was carried out for people with these skin NTDs in two endemic communities of Anambra state, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of self-care practices on costs of care, disability status and health-related quality of life. METHODS: This study utilised a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design to assess the effectiveness of the self-care interventions for people affected by NTDs to care for these impairments at home. Data were collected using questionnaires administered at the beginning and at the end of the intervention on monthly cost of morbidity care, and on participants' disability status and their quality of life (QoL). Focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with both the participants and healthcare workers at follow-up. RESULTS: Forty-eight participants were recruited. Thirty participants (62.5%) continued the self-care interventions until the end of the project. Of those, 25 (83%) demonstrated improvement from their baseline impairment status. The mean household costs of morbidity care per participant decreased by 66% after the intervention, falling from US$157.50 at baseline to US$53.24 after 6 months of self-care (p = 0.004). The mean disability score at baseline was 22.3; this decreased to 12.5 after 6 months of self-care (p < 0.001). Among the 30 participants who continued the interventions until the end of the project, 26 (86.7%) had severe disability score (i.e. a score of 10-46) at baseline, and the number with severe disability fell to 18 (60%) of the 30 after the intervention. The mean QoL score increased from 45.7 at baseline to 57.5 at the end of the intervention (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The 6-month self-care intervention for participants affected by BU, leprosy, or LF led to lower costs of care (including out-of-pocket costs and lost earnings due to morbidity), improved QoL scores, and reduced disability status. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN20317241 ; 27/08/2021, Retrospectively registered.

Investigating barriers and challenges to the integrated management of neglected tropical skin diseases in an endemic setting in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of experience in and evidence for cost-effective integrated community-based management of skin neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and care-seeking practices including self-care with a view to introducing appropriate community-based interventions for skin NTDs in an endemic setting in Southern Nigeria. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This exploratory study adopted a mixed-methods design consisting of cross-sectional surveys of community members and health workers using interviewer-administered questionnaires; and focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members, health care workers and patients with NTDs in Anambra State, Nigeria. The survey was completed by 353 community members (61.8% female) and 15 health care workers (100.0% female). A total of 52 individuals participated in six FGDs. Of the community members, 236 (66.9%) had heard or seen a case of leprosy; 324 (91.8%) and 131 (37.5%) had heard or seen a case of Buruli ulcer and lymphatic filariasis, respectively. Again, 213 (60.3%) of the respondents reported that the diseases were caused by witchcraft or curse. As regards prevention, 241 (68.3%) suggested avoiding handshake with affected persons. Up to 223 (63.2%) of respondents strongly agreed to the seriousness of skin NTDs in their community. Meanwhile, 272 (77.1%) of the respondents believed that the transmission of these skin NTDs can be prevented. Furthermore, 324 (91.7%) desired active community engagement for control of skin NTDs. Regarding community care seeking practices, 197 (55.8%) would first visit the health centre/hospital, followed by 91 (25.8%) traditional healer/herbalist and 35 (9.9%) pharmacy/patent medicine vendor if they develop a skin NTD. Overall, 332 (94.1%) of respondents expressed interest in being taught self-care practices for skin NTDs. Out of 15 healthcare workers, 13 (86.7%) were able to correctly diagnose two of these skin NTDs and 10 (66.7%) would encourage patients to practice self-care. Prominent themes in the FGDs were belief in witchcraft and herbal remedies; as well as the occurrence of physical, social and economic distress. CONCLUSIONS: Our study helped quantify the information gaps that need to be addressed in order to create demand for integrated skin NTDs services in an endemic setting in Nigeria. Individual, structural and socioeconomic challenges to access and delivery of services were identified. Community and health care workers' empowerment and engagement through outreach and regular training, respectively may alleviate these challenges.

Worsening of the disability grade during leprosy treatment: prevalence and its determinants in Southern Nigeria.

Background: In Nigeria, little is known about the development of new or additional physical disability during leprosy treatment. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and evaluate factors associated with worsening of physical disability during leprosy treatment in Nigeria. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted among leprosy patients treated in six referral facilities in six States in Nigeria between January 2011 and December 2015. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of worsening disability after treatment. Results: Of 984 leprosy patients who completed treatment, the mean age of the patients was 39.8±17.6 years and 57.4% (565/984) of them were male. Also, 51.6% (508/984) of the patients had either grade 1 or 2 disability at diagnosis, but this declined to 30.8% (303/984) following treatment (p<0.001). Overall, 4.7% (46/984) of the cases developed new or additional disability (or worsening disability) during treatment. The cases with the greatest odds for developing worsening physical disability were patients from the southwest (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 15.9; 95% CI 3.8-67.4) and southeast zones (aOR 4.7; 95% CI 1.1-19.2), and patients who had a leprosy reaction requiring additional corticosteroid therapy (aOR 11.7; 95% CI 4.4-31.2). Conclusion: Sustained capacity building for health professionals on better monitoring and management of leprosy and its complications is strongly recommended in Nigeria.

Assessment of health care workers' knowledge, attitude and risk perception of Buruli ulcer disease in Southern Nigeria.

Background: Poor knowledge of health care workers may be responsible for the under-diagnosis and low notification of Buruli ulcer (BU) in high-burden settings. This study assessed health care workers' knowledge, attitude and risk perception of BU in Southern Nigeria. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 186 health care workers recruited from 58 health facilities in four states of Southern Nigeria. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered to all participants. Results: The overall mean knowledge score was 8.8±2.7 (maximum 15). Only 29.0% (54/186) of the respondents had a good knowledge of BU. The mean (SD) attitude score was 4.5±1.2 (maximum 6). Also, 61.3% (114/) of the respondents had a good attitude towards BU. The overall mean (SD) risk perception score was 2.6±1.3 (maximum 5). Only 26.3% (49/) of the respondents had a good risk perception of BU disease. Previous training was an independent predictor of good knowledge (aOR 4.6), good attitude (aOR 3.8) and good risk perception (aOR 2.9) to BU. Conclusions: Health care workers in endemic settings of Nigeria have poor knowledge of and poor risk perception of BU disease. Training of health care workers is recommended to address the identified gaps to ensure earlier diagnosis and referral to specialist centres.

Screening for diabetes mellitus among tuberculosis patients in Southern Nigeria: a multi-centre implementation study under programme settings.

Implementation studies are recommended to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of programmes. In Nigeria, little is known about the burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) among tuberculosis (TB) patients. The objective of this study was to determine screening efficacy, prevalence of DM and determinants of DM among TB patients. We report on a multi-centre implementation study carried-out in 13 health facilities in six States of Southern Nigeria. All newly diagnosed TB patients registered from March to October 2015 were screened for DM using current World Health Organisation guidelines. Overall, 2094 TB patients were evaluated, 196 (9.4%) were found to have DM. The prevalence of newly diagnosed DM was 5.5% (115/2094). DM prevalence varied according to age group; occurring in 2.2% of patients aged ≤ 25 years and 16.9% in patients aged (56-65) years. The additional yield of DM was 59% while the number needed to screen to detect a new case of DM was 18. Factors associated with DM were; age >40 years (aOR2.8, CI 2.1-3.9), rural residence (aOR2.3, 1.6-3.2), private health facility care (aOR2.0, 1.4-2.7), and having an occupation that engages in vigorous activity (aOR0.6, 0.4-0.9). The burden of DM among TB patients is high. Prioritization of DM screening for TB patients is indicated.

Financial burden of health care for Buruli ulcer patients in Nigeria: the patients' perspective.

BACKGROUND: The economic burden of Buruli ulcer for patients has not been well-documented. This study assessed the costs of Buruli ulcer care to patients from the onset of illness to diagnosis and to the end of treatment. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional cost of illness study conducted among patients with Buruli ulcer in four States in Nigeria between July and September 2015. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the patients' characteristics, household income and out-of-pocket costs of care. RESULTS: Of 92 patients surveyed, 54 (59%) were older than 15years, 49 (53%) were males, and 86 (93%) resided in a rural area. The median (IQR) direct medical and non-medical cost per patient was US$124 (50-282) and US$3 (3-6); corresponding to 149% and 4% of the patients' median monthly household income, respectively. The overall direct costs per patient was US$135 (58-327), which corresponded to 162% of median monthly household income, with pre-diagnosis costs accounting for 94.8% of the total costs. The direct costs of Buruli ulcer care were catastrophic for 50% of all patients/households - the rates of catastrophic costs for Buruli ulcer care was 66% and 19% for patients belonging to the lowest and highest income quartiles, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Direct costs of Buruli ulcer diagnosis and treatment are catastrophic to a substantial proportion of patients and their families.

Diagnosis delay and duration of hospitalisation of patients with Buruli ulcer in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Delayed diagnosis of Buruli ulcer can worsen clinical presentation of the disease, prolong duration of management, and impose avoidable additional costs on patients and health providers. We investigated the profile, delays in diagnosis, duration of hospitalisation, and associated factors among patients with Buruli ulcer in Nigeria. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of patients with Buruli ulcer who were identified from a community-based survey. Data on the patients' clinical profile, delays in diagnosis and duration of hospitalisation were prospectively collected. RESULTS: Of 145 patients notified, 125 (86.2%) were confirmed by one or more laboratory tests (81.4% by PCR). The median age of the patients was 20 years, 88 (60.7%) were >15years old and 85 (58.6%) were females. In addition, 137 (94.5%) were new cases, 119 (82.1%) presented with ulcers and 110 (75.9%) had lower limb lesions. The mean time delay to diagnosis was 50.6 (±101.9) weeks. The mean duration of hospitalisation was 108 (±60) days. Determinants of time delay to diagnosis were higher disease category (p=0.001) and laboratory confirmation of disease (p=0.02). Determinants of longer hospitalisation were; multiple lesions (p=0.035), and having functional limitation at diagnosis and undertaking surgery (p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Buruli ulcer have very long time delays to diagnosis and long hospitalisation during treatment. This calls for early case-finding and improved access to Buruli ulcer services in Nigeria.

Efficacy and Safety of 'Fixed Dose' versus 'Loose' Drug Regimens for Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Two High TB-Burden African Countries: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the performance of the use of fixed-dose combination (FDC) TB drugs when used under programmatic settings in high TB-endemic countries. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of FDC versus loose formulation (LF) TB treatment regimens for treatment of pulmonary TB (PTB) in the context of actual medical practice in prevailing conditions within programmatic settings in five sites in two high TB-burden African countries. METHODS: A two-arm, single-blind, randomized clinical trial comparing FDCs with separate LFs involving 1000 adults newly diagnosed with culture positive PTB was conducted at five sites in two African countries between 2007 and 2011. Participants were randomized to receive daily treatment with anti-TB drugs given as either FDC or separate LFs for 24 weeks (intensive phase- 8 weeks of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide; continuation phase- 16 weeks of rifampicin and isoniazid). Primary outcome measures were microbiological cure and safety at the end of six months' treatment; pre-specified non-inferiority margin for difference in cure rate was 4%. The primary efficacy analysis was based on the modified intent to treat (mITT) cohort comprising all randomized patients with a positive baseline culture result for TB and who received at least one dose of study treatment. Patients missing end of treatment culture results were considered failures. Further analyses were done in which mITT patients without an end of treatment (EOT) culture were excluded in a complete case analysis (mITTcc) and a per protocol cohort analysis defined as mITTcc patients who received at least 95% of their intended doses and had an EOT culture result. RESULTS: In the mITT analysis, the cure rate in the FDC group was 86.7% (398/459) and in the LF group 85.2% (396/465) (difference 1.5-% (90% confidence interval (CI) (-2.2%- 5.3%)). Per Protocol analysis showed similar results: FDC 98.9% (359/363) versus LF 96.9% (345/356), (difference 2.0% (90% CI: 0.1%- 3.8%)). The two arms showed no significant differences in terms of safety, early culture conversion and patient adherence to treatment. INTERPRETATION: The comparison of the two drug regimens satisfied the pre-specified non-inferiority criterion. Our results support the WHO recommendations for the use of FDC in the context of actual medical practice within health services in high TB-endemic countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Registry 95204603.

Assessment of current practices in management of childhood TB among frontline clinicians in Southern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Poor competence of clinicians may be a critical factor responsible for the under-diagnosis of childhood TB in high-burden settings. Our objective was to assess the current practices of management of childhood TB among clinicians in Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among clinicians recruited through a three-stage sampling technique from 76 health facilities in Southern Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to all participants. RESULTS: Of 106 clinicians who completed the survey, 73 (68.9%) were <40 years and 67 (63.2%) were males. Also, 14 (13.2%) were paediatricians, 22 (20.8%) were paediatric specialist trainees and 70 (66%) were medical officers in primary and secondary care health facilities. About 94% of the respondents perceived diagnosis of childhood TB a challenge in Nigeria. The overall mean (SD) knowledge score was 3.8±0.9 (maximum 5), and 68 (64.2%) had good knowledge of childhood TB. The mean (SD) appropriate practice score was 4.0±1.7 (maximum 10) and, only 8 (7.5%) of them were considered to have adopted appropriate practices regarding childhood TB care. CONCLUSIONS: There are gaps in practices adopted by frontline clinicians in the management of childhood TB in Nigeria. Focused training of health workers on childhood TB care is urgently recommended.

Buruli ulcer in Nigeria: results of a pilot case study in three rural districts.

BACKGROUND: Buruli ulcer (BU), also known as Mycobacterium ulcerans disease, is the third most common mycobacterial disease worldwide. Although BU disease has been diagnosed among Nigerians in neighbouring West African countries, data on the burden of the disease in Nigeria itself are scanty. This study aimed to assess the magnitude and epidemiology of BU in the South South region of Nigeria. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in the Ogoja territory (comprising 31 communities). We undertook sensitisation programmes centred on BU in 10 of the communities. Participants were asked to identify community members with long-standing ulcers, who were then invited for evaluation. We also contacted traditional healers to refer their clients who had non-healing ulcers. All suspected cases had a full clinical evaluation and laboratory testing. Confirmed cases were given treatment in a referral hospital in the territory. RESULTS: We diagnosed 41 clinical BU cases; 36 (87.8 %) of which were confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). These 36 PCR-confirmed cases were diagnosed in a total population of 192,169 inhabitants. Therefore, the estimated crude prevalence of BU was 18.7 per 100,000 population, varying from 6.0 to 41.4 per 100,000 in the districts surveyed. The majority (66.7 %) of the cases were females. About 92 % of the BU lesions were located on the patients' extremities. No differences were observed between the sexes in terms of the location of the lesions. The age of the patients ranged from four to 60 years, with a median age of 17 years. All 35 (100 %) patients who consented to treatment completed chemotherapy as prescribed. Of the treated cases, 29 (82.9 %) needed and received surgery. All cases healed, but 29 (82.9 %) had some limitations in movement. Healing with limitations in movement occurred in 18/19 (94.7 %) and 8/10 (80.0 %) of patients with lesions >15 cm (Category III) and 6-15 cm in diameter (Category II), respectively. The median duration of treatment was 130 (87-164) days for children and 98 (56-134) days for adults (p = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: In Nigeria, BU is endemic but its severity is underestimated-at least in the study setting. There is a need to identify and map BU endemic regions in Nigeria. A comprehensive BU control programme is also urgently needed.

Does intensified case finding increase tuberculosis case notification among children in resource-poor settings? A report from Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Passive case detection in national TB programmes is associated with low case notification, especially in children. This study was undertaken to improve detection of childhood TB in resource-poor settings through intensified case-finding strategies. METHODS: A community-based intervention was carried out in six states in Nigeria. The creation of TB awareness was undertaken, and work aids, guidelines, and diagnostic charts were produced, distributed, and used. Various cadres of health workers and ad hoc project staff were trained. Child contacts with TB patients were screened in their homes, and children presenting at various hospital units were screened for TB. Baseline and intervention data were collected for evaluation populations and control populations. RESULTS: Detection of childhood TB increased in the evaluation population during the intervention, with a mean quarterly increase of 4.0% [new smear positive (NSP), although the increasing trend was not statistically significant (χ(2)=1.8; p<.179)]. Additionally, there was a mean quarterly increase of 3% for all forms of TB, although the trend was not statistically significant (χ(2)=1.48; p<.224). Conversely, there was a decrease in case notification in the control population, with a mean decline of 3% (all forms). Compared to the baseline, there was an increase of 31% (all forms) and 22% (NSP) in the evaluation population. CONCLUSION: Intensified case finding combined with capacity building, provision of work aids/guidelines, and TB health education can improve childhood-TB notification.

Reaching the underserved: Active tuberculosis case finding in urban slums in southeastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Nigeria ranks 10th among 22 high TB burden countries with low TB case detection that relies on passive case finding. Although there is increasing body of evidence that active case finding (ACF) has improved TB case finding in urban slums in some parts of the world, this strategy had not been implemented in Nigeria despite the pervasiveness of urban slums in the country. OBJECTIVE: To assess the yield and profile of TB in urban slums in Nigeria through ACF. METHODS: A prospective, implementation study was conducted in three urban slums of southeastern Nigeria. Individuals with TB symptoms were identified through targeted screening using a standardized questionnaire and investigated further for TB. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed using SPSS. RESULTS: Among 16,743 individuals screened for TB, 6361 (38.0%) were identified as TB suspects; 5894 suspects were evaluated for TB. TB was diagnosed in 1079 individuals, representing 6.4% of the screened population and 18.3% of those evaluated for TB. Of the 1079 cases found, 97.1% (n=1084) had pulmonary TB (PTB), and majority (65%) had new smear-positive TB. Children (<15years) accounted for 6.7% of the cases. Also, 22.6% (216) of the cases were HIV co-infected, among whom 55.1% (n=119) were females. The average number of individuals needed to screen to find a case of TB was 16. CONCLUSIONS: There is high prevalence of TB in Nigeria slum population. Targeted screening of out-patients, TB contacts, and HIV-infected patients should be optimized for active TB case finding in Nigeria.

Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction with Tuberculosis Services in Southern Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: Knowing tuberculosis (TB) patients' satisfaction enables TB program managers to identify gaps in service delivery and institute measures to address them. This study is aimed at evaluating patients' satisfaction with TB services in southern Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 378 patients accessing TB care were studied using a validated Patient Satisfaction (PS-38) questionnaire on various aspects of TB services. Factor analysis was used to identify eight factors related to TB patient satisfaction. Test of association was used to study the relation between patient satisfaction scores and patient and health facility characteristics, while multilinear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Highest satisfaction was reported for adherence counseling and access to care. Patient characteristics were associated with overall satisfaction, registration, adherence counseling, access to care, amenities, and staff attitude, while health system factors were associated with staff attitude, amenities, and health education. Predictors of satisfaction with TB services included gender, educational status, if tested for HIV, distance, payment for TB services, and level and type of health-care facility. CONCLUSION: Patient- and health system-related factors were found to influence patient satisfaction and, hence, should be taken into consideration in TB service programing.

Diagnosis of smear-negative tuberculosis in Nigeria: Do health care workers adhere to the national guidelines?

OBJECTIVE: The study sought to assess the extent to which healthcare workers (HCWs) adhere to the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) guidelines for the diagnosis of smear negative tuberculosis in Nigeria. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional retrospective desk analysis of case files of 280 smear negative pulmonary TB in six States in southern Nigeria. RESULTS: About 93% of the 280 patients had their first set of sputum smear microscopy tests done, but only 3.6% had the second set of diagnostic tests as prescribed by the NTP guidelines. Only 45.7% (128/280) received broad spectrum antibiotics after their first smear microscopy. 98% had a chest X-ray done, while 93.6% (262/280) had HIV counseling and testing (HCT), out of which 45.0% were HIV positive. Overall, only 2 patients (0.7%) were diagnosed in strict compliance with the NTP guidelines. There was no significant difference in the pattern of diagnosis of smear negative TB cases and smear positive TB cases. CONCLUSION: The adherence of HCWs to the NTP guidelines for diagnosis of smear negative TB is apparently sub-optimal and needs improvement.

Sputum conversion at the end of 8weeks among category 1 tuberculosis patients: How reliable are the peripheral laboratory results?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of week 8 sputum smear AFB microscopy performed by peripheral TB laboratories in Nigeria. METHOD: A cross-sectional review was performed of all week 8 tuberculosis sputum smear slides reported for the first quarter of 2009 by peripheral laboratories in five States of Nigeria. Each slide was reviewed by two independent external slide readers as external quality check and also crosschecked with fluorescent microscopy. RESULTS: In Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Enugu, Kogi and Ogun States, a total of 415, 315, 231, 206 and 428week 8 slides respectively were studied (a grand total of 1595 slides studied). The wide range of conversion rates between the different States as reported by peripheral labs (83.8% in Anambra State to 98.1% in Kogi State) was also observed by the external quality check (68.4% in Kogi State to 88.0% in Akwa Ibom State). In all the States, the studied sputum conversion rates reported by the peripheral labs were significantly higher than values obtained from external quality check and fluorescent microscopy (P=0.000). CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION: There is a wide range of sputum conversion rates between States, but the conversion rate in each State is significantly higher than those of external quality check possibly indicating many false negative reports by peripheral labs. It is recommended that training and re-training of laboratory persons be continued. Internal and external quality checks should also continue to be practiced in the national TB program.

Traditional healers and tuberculosis control in southern Nigeria.

Traditional healers (THs) co-exist with orthodox medicine and offer options for the sick, especially cases with perceived supernatural causes. This study examined the role and capability of THs in the national tuberculosis control effort. Seventeen community leaders (CLs) and 20 THs were interviewed. Prolonged cough constituted one of the common health problems taken to THs in the communities studied. The THs manage such cases with herbs and are not inclined to referring cases to the orthodox health care facility because of the confidence in their ability to handle the cases which result from supernatural causes. The CLs attest to the acceptability of the THs in the communities, which they attribute to the efficacy of the traditional healing, uncomplicated treatment process, cause of the prolonged cough, as well as cost and secrecy. THs can be educated to make prompt referral of cases to Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) clinics for prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Is there a role for patent medicine vendors in tuberculosis control in southern Nigeria?

Patent medicine vendors (PMVs) are a ubiquitous feature of the informal health sector in Nigeria. A previous study on healthcare-seeking behaviour of persons with chronic cough in southern Nigeria found that over 60% of respondents chose the PMV as a healthcare provider of first instance. This study sought to determine the willingness and capability of PMVs to play a role in the national tuberculosis (TB)-control effort. Study sites were selected through a multi-stage sampling process. In total, 388 PMVs, 17 principal officers of PMV associations, and 17 community leaders were purposively selected. Sets of structured questionnaire were administered to the PMVs while information from the principal officers of PMV associations and community leaders was elicited through in-depth interviews and focus-group discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data were collated using the Epi Info software (version 6.04) and analyzed using the SPSS software (version 15). Most (90%) PMVs indicated that they would be ready to cooperate with the national TB-control programme, if trained. Seventy-three percent attended persons with prolonged cough in the course of their career. However, 48% did not know the cause of TB. Only 3% ever-attended a training session on TB control. Sixty-six percent completed at least 12 years of schooling with secondary school certificate. Eighty percent of the community leaders were happy with the work of PMVs. About two-thirds (65.6%) of the PMVs were male. The PMVs are positively disposed to playing roles in TB control. Given this positive disposition and their widespread acceptance in healthcare-delivery in the communities, they have potentials for playing a role in TB control in southern Nigeria.

Barriers to care seeking in directly observed therapy short-course (DOTS) clinics and tuberculosis control in southern Nigeria: a qualitative analysis.

An understanding of the socioeconomic and cultural realities of persons infected with tuberculosis (TB) in communities is important to re-strategizing control programs because these realities often come as constraints to the use of the directly observed therapy short-course (DOTS) in Nigeria. In-depth interviews and focus group discussion were used to study barriers to attendance at DOTS clinics for both prompt diagnosis and treatment of smear positive cases in Nigerian communities. A number of common and interrelated factors form barriers to use of DOTS clinics. These include perceived causes of the infection, for example witchcraft, that mitigate against an orthodox solution to TB and thereby affect perceived efficacy of DOTS. Another factor is perceived high cost in resource poor settings. Facility staff were noted to have demanded money from patients in spite of the fact that DOTS is advertised as free treatment. Furthermore, community members complain of the hostile attitude of health staff toward poor people as a barrier to community use of the facilities. It follows, therefore, that the attitude of health workers must be addressed if community members will use the DOTS clinics.