Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes and Associated Factors at Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Ethiopia

Abstract

<i>Background:</i> Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia, with treatment success rates consistently below the WHO target. Various factors contribute to poor treatment outcomes. <i>Objective:</i> To assess treatment outcomes for TB and associated factors at Zewditu Memorial Hospital (ZMH) from 2017 to 2021. <i>Methods:</i> An institutional-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using TB logbook data. After bivariable analysis, clinically relevant variables and variables with a p-value < 0.2 were included in multivariable logistic regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05. <i>Results:</i> The overall successful treatment outcome (cured or completed) was 197 (83.1%). Factors significantly associated with poor treatment outcomes included age group 35 to 44 years (AOR=4.663; 95% CI: 1.215-17.901), extrapulmonary TB (AOR=3.451; 95% CI: 1.172-10.16), and registration in 2019 (AOR=4.367; 95% CI: 1.2-15.87). <i>Conclusion:</i> The treatment success rate falls short of the national target of 85%, highlighting the need for targeted improvements in TB management. The associations with age and extrapulmonary TB emphasize the necessity for focused control measures. Strengthening targeted TB programs at ZMH is recommended.