Prevalence and Risk Factors for Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis at LRRH in Lango Sub-Region Northern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional study.

Abstract

Background: The emergence of drug-resistant TB over recent years is a growing global public health threat in developing countries. Uganda is among the countries with the highest MDR TB burden globally, with an estimated prevalence of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis at 1.4% among all new cases and 12.1% among previously treated TB cases. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from 565 individuals using a data extraction tool and an interview guide for key informants to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with MDR-TB clients in LRRH. Quantitative data was analyzed with State Version 14 at univariate, bivariate, and multivariate levels. Applied thematic content analysis method was used for qualitative data analysis. Results: The prevalence of MDR-TB at LRRH in Lango sub-region was found to be 14.8% (84/565). The logistic regression revealed that treatment literacy (AOR =1.11, p<0.001) and a history of TB treatment (AOR = 6.22, P = 0.001) associates with development of MDR-TB. Conclusion: The study found out that 14.8% prevalence of MDR-TB at LRRH in Lango sub-region, surpass rates from previous research, including the 12.1% national prevalence among retreatment cases. Treatment literacy and history of treatment were the associated factors. Recommendations: Enhancing treatment literacy, strengthening monitoring, improving diagnostic access, supporting previously treated patients, training healthcare professionals, engaging communities, and conducting continuous research for combating MDR-TB in Lango sub-region. Keywords: prevalence, Multi-drug resistance, Tuberculosis.