Abstract

Dotimi Doris Atibinye*, Alex-Hart Balafama and Azah Aloysia

ABSTRACT

Background: This research project was to assess the prevalence of tuberculosis in Warri South-West, Delta State, from January, 2008 to December, 2017. Method: A retrospective study was carried out consisting of all documented cases of pulmonary tuberculosis in Warri South-West Primary Health Centre DOTs units from January 2008 to December 2017. Analysis was done using SPSS Version 20.0. Result: Findings indicated that out of 280 patients tested, a total of 150 cases of tuberculosis were recorded within the period of the study with a prevalence rate of 53.6%. The prevalence for each year during this study were as follows: 2008 (6%), 2009 (1.2%), 2010 (4.7%), 2011 (1.3%), 2012 (11.3%), 2013 (12.7.%), 2014 (13.3%), 2015 (8.0%), 2016 (16.7%), 2017 (24.7%). The most affected gender was female (77, 51%). The age group mostly affected was between the ages of 41 – 50 years (36%) while the least was 61 and above (2%). The percentage of the infected population that utilized the services rendered in Warri South-West Primary Health Centre DOTs units was 100. Conclusion: The prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in Warri South-West LGA within the years under study is on the increase and thus requires prompt measures in combating the situation. It is therefore recommended that Health workers should sensitize the public on how to prevent and control pulmonary tuberculosis. The government should improve the standard of living, Health policies, Human resource and service delivery in the rural areas. There should be a wide coverage of DOTS in all the Local Government Areas to treat identified cases.