Assessment of current practices in management of childhood TB among frontline clinicians in Southern Nigeria.

Background: Poor competence of clinicians may be a critical factor responsible for the under-diagnosis of childhood TB in high-burden settings. Our objective was to assess the current practices of management of childhood TB among clinicians in Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among clinicians recruited through a three-stage sampling technique from 76 health facilities in Southern Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to all participants.

Results: Of 106 clinicians who completed the survey, 73 (68.9%) were <40 years and 67 (63.2%) were males. Also, 14 (13.2%) were paediatricians, 22 (20.8%) were paediatric specialist trainees and 70 (66%) were medical officers in primary and secondary care health facilities. About 94% of the respondents perceived diagnosis of childhood TB a challenge in Nigeria. The overall mean (SD) knowledge score was 3.8±0.9 (maximum 5), and 68 (64.2%) had good knowledge of childhood TB. The mean (SD) appropriate practice score was 4.0±1.7 (maximum 10) and, only 8 (7.5%) of them were considered to have adopted appropriate practices regarding childhood TB care.

Conclusions: There are gaps in practices adopted by frontline clinicians in the management of childhood TB in Nigeria. Focused training of health workers on childhood TB care is urgently recommended.