Authors : Esther Olufunke Ademola; Adesina Dorcas; Adegoke Latifat Olamide; Olatise Bintu Omolayo; Olagunju Oladiran Isaiah

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/bdhhhrsv

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun610

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Abstract : Background: Tuberculosis (TB) treatment default, defined as interruption of treatment for two or more consecutive months, is one of the most critical obstacles to achieving global tuberculosis control targets. Despite the provision of free anti-tuberculosis treatment through the Directly Observed Therapy Short-course (DOTS) strategy in Nigeria, treatment default rates persistently exceed the WHO target of 5% or less, with patient-related, health system-related, socioeconomic, and therapy-related factors collectively contributing to this challenge. Understanding the specific drivers of default in community-level primary health care settings is essential for designing effective retention interventions. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 150 patients and clients attending five purposively selected primary health care facilities in Ilesa East Local Government Area (LGA) in Osun State. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire with a Likert-scale response format (Strongly Agree to Disagree Strongly). Arithmetic mean analysis with a decision mean of 2.5 was used for data analysis. Instrument reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of 0.743. Results: Female respondents constituted 54%, with the 31–40 age bracket most represented (27.3%). Notably, 68% were illiterate, indicating a high level of educational vulnerability. Knowledge findings showed that respondents correctly identified TB symptoms (X̄=2.85), Mycobacterium tuberculosis as the causative agent (X̄=3.12), and droplet inhalation as the primary mode of transmission (X̄=3.02), while correctly rejecting handshaking as a transmission route (X̄=2.29). The effects of TB most strongly endorsed were lung damage (X̄=3.60) and social stigmatisation (X̄=3.60). Prevention strategies with the strongest endorsement included improved ventilation (X̄=3.60) and early diagnosis and treatment (X̄=3.60). Avoiding handshaking was rejected as a prevention strategy (X̄=2.19). Conclusion: While patients attending PHC facilities in Afijio LGA demonstrate adequate knowledge of TB symptoms, causation, and transmission, persistent structural barriers, including drug stockouts, inadequate health personnel, and weak follow-up mechanisms, combined with patient-level factors including social stigma, high illiteracy, and drug side effects, drive TB treatment default. Targeted health education, robust DOTS implementation, and community-based treatment support are urgently needed to improve treatment completion rates in this LGA.

Keywords : Tuberculosis Treatment Default, TB Non-Adherence, DOTS, Primary Health Care, Ilesa East Local Government Area (LGA) In Osun State, Nigeria, Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment, Community Health, Drug Resistance.

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