Magnitude of poor multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment outcome among multidrug-resistant tuberculous patients at tertiary hospital, South West Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND

The persistent spread of multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is one of the most pressing and challenging issues facing the global TB control efforts. Standard first-line treatment for MDR TB is nearly ineffective for patients infected with strains of the disease that are resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the magnitude of poor MDR-TB treatment outcomes among MDR-TB patients at the MDR-TB clinic, tertiary Hospital, Southwest, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the MDR-TB clinic, Mattu Karl Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (MKCSH), from 2018 to 2024. A data collection checklist was used to collect information on sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, medication, and treatment outcomes from the patient's medical cards. The collected data were cleaned, coded, entered, and analyzed using SPSS version 20 computer software. Descriptive data analysis was done to describe variables by percent and frequency. Data were presented in tables and pie charts.

RESULT: A total of 72 (54.2% male and 47.8% female) MDR-TB patients were included in this study analysis. Among a total, 54.2% were men. The mean age of the patients was 31.42 years with a standard deviation of 7.81 years, and 25% were positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The most common adverse drug reaction was gastric disturbance (45.8%). The majority, 79.2% had a successful outcome: 75% were cured and 4.2% have completed treatment. The magnitude of poor MDR-TB treatment outcome was 20.8%: 12.5% were death and 8.3% defaulted from treatment.

CONCLUSION

The magnitude of poor MDR-TB treatment outcomes among MDR-TB patients was high. Strengthening patient support systems and optimizing treatment protocols are essential strategies to reduce the prevalence of poor outcomes.