PREDICTORS OF TB TREATMENT SUCCESS AMONG PATIENTS ON FIRST LINE TREATMENT IN NAPAK DISTRICT-KARAMOJA REGION UGANDA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the availability of free first-line treatment, TB treatment success remain suboptimal in many rural settings. This study aimed to assess the predictors of TB treatment success among patients on first-line anti-TB treatment in Napak District, Karamoja Region, Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 385 participants who had undergone treatment for TB. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent predictors of TB treatment success, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall treatment success rate among respondents was 74.8%. Several factors were significantly associated with TB treatment success. At the patient level, non-alcohol use (AOR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.05–3.41), higher monthly income (AOR = 2.12; CI: 1.21–3.69), and openness about TB status with family (AOR = 2.07; CI: 1.05–4.08) were positively associated with TB treatment success. Socio cultural predictors included family support (AOR = 3.85; CI: 2.15–6.90), motivational support from healthcare providers (AOR = 5.71; CI: 2.78–11.72), and avoidance of traditional medicine use (AOR = 2.60; CI: 1.08–6.27). Patient perspectives on ealth facility-related factors such as community health worker support (AOR = 2.94; CI: 1.65–5.23), information on treatment duration (AOR = 3.22; CI: 1.19 8.70), proximity to health facilities (AOR = 2.71; CI: 1.41–5.23), and consistent TB drug availability (AOR = 2.01; CI: 1.00–4.03) also significantly influenced treatment outcomes. Conclusion: TB treatment success in Napak District is influenced by a combination of behavioral, socio cultural, and health system factors. Strengthening patient education, enhancing family and community support, ensuring uninterrupted drug supply, and expanding community-based services are essential to improve treatment outcomes in this rural context. Keywords: Tuberculosis, Treatment Success, Predictors, First-Line treatment, Napak District, Uganda, Socio-Cultural factors, Health System, Multivariate Analysis.