Evaluation of directly observed treatment short courses at a secondary health institution in Ibadan, Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria

Objective: To evaluate the success rate of tuberculosis intervention programme at a specialist hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria through a retrospective study as well as carry out physicochemical evaluation of anti tuberculous agents as a way of eliminating drug related failure. Methods: The retrospective study involved the use of quarterly tuberculosis central register at the Government Chest Hospital, Ibadan between 1st quarter (2003) to 4th quarter (2009). Relevant data were extracted from these register with the aid of data collection forms. The basic physicochemical analyses of the drugs given to the patients were also carried out using the International Pharmacopoeia methods. Results: All the drugs examined for their physicochemical properties passed the International Pharmacopeia recommended tests. A total number of 1 260 patients enrolled at the hospital were assessed through case notes. This comprises of 59.4% males of which 69.23% new cases were also males. There was a significant (P<0.05) patient enrollment across the quarters for the seven years. An overall 80.24% cure rate over the 7 period was obtained which is less than the WHO target of 85%. Cure rates were better in females than males. Failure treatment outcomes such as positive (1.51%), deaths (8.73%), defaulted (3.33% and transferred out (5.95%) were recorded though not statistically significant (P>0.05). Failure rates in all categories were higher in males than females (P>0.05). Conclusions: More enlightenment and counseling is still required to meet up with the target for TB control.