Evaluation of a training intervention on tuberculosis case detection and management among community pharmacists in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Early detection of Tuberculosis (TB) is critical to interrupt transmission and improve treatment outcomes. Community pharmacies are often the first place people with symptoms seek care; therefore, they are well-positioned to assist in the early detection and referral of TB cases. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of a TB case detection and management educational intervention among community pharmacists (CPs) using Lagos State, Nigeria as a case study. A quasi-experimental, single-group pre-post training with supportive follow-up study was conducted among CPs who participated in a structured TB training program. Six months after the training with monthly follow-up and reminders during the six months period, data were collected using a structured questionnaire to assess CPs’ post-training involvement in TB case detection, referral practices, perceived practice-level effects, and implementation challenges. Mystery shopper visits were conducted in selected community pharmacies to corroborate self-reported practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17 at a 5% level of significance. A statistically significant, though weak, positive correlation was found between CPs’ involvement in TB case detection and management support (r = 0.223; p < 0.05). Of the participants, 112 (71.3%) indicated they would like to continue providing referral services, and 73 (46.5%) suggested that pharmacists who provide referral services should receive incentives. This study suggests that educational intervention among health care providers may have some beneficial effects in TB case detection and referral activities. With proper training, regulatory oversight, and logistical support; CPs’ engagement in tuberculosis case detection and management may be a key strategy to increasing early TB case detection and management rates in Nigeria. Future studies should employ a randomized controlled study design to assess the effectiveness and scalability of pharmacist-led TB referral interventions.