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A Three Year Review of Tuberculosis Surveillance Data in Montserrado County, Liberia, 2016-2018
Abstract
Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a public health problem. Liberia's annual mortality rate remains high with estimated incidence 14,000 cases (308 per 100,000). The study's objective was to analyze the distribution of TB cases by person place and time, estimate the prevalence, case detection rate and outcome of all form of TB cases in Montserrado from 2016-2018.
Methods: We conducted a descriptive analysis where we reviewed and analyzed reports for all forms of TB notified by districts through the DHIS2 in Montserrado County from 2016 to 2018. We also extracted data from the data sources and analyzed the data to obtained measure of disease occurrence and disease frequency using Microsoft Excel, 2013.
Results: A total of 18141 cases of all forms of TB were notified in Montserrado County from 2016 to 2018; out of which 5271 (29%) cases were sputum smear positive. Of cases notified, 58% (5081/8716) were males and 20%1026 were among 25-34 year age group. TB cases were 36% in 2017 and 29% in 2018. In 2017, the prevalence was 140/100000 population. Prevalence among the male population was 461/100,000 population and female accounted for 306/100,000 population. Up to 60% of TB cases were notified by two districts (Bushrod & Central Monrovia). Cases were detected at the rate of 46% in 2017 and 43% in 2018 with Bushrod district detection rate of 151%. On average, 34% of patients on treatment were cured and 15% defaulted showing treatment success rate at 24%.
Conclusion: Tuberculosis remains a problem in Liberia and males in productive age group accounted for most cases in Bushrod and Central Monrovia districts. The prevalence of TB is high. Though more cases were detected in Bushrod district, the case detection rate showed a decreasing trend in 2018. Patients were cured of TB but data also showed defaulted record and a treatment success rate far lower than the national target 85%. We recommend that Ministry of health through National TB control should intensify sensitization and TB health education to improve the case detection and treatment success rates.
