A comparative analysis of the profile and treatment outcomes of tuberculosis patients managed at the community and primary health care facilities in Botswana.

Background: Successful treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) is necessary for mitigating and averting millions of deaths annually. This study compared the profiles and measured the association between patients, health system-related factors, and TB treatment outcomes of patients managed through the community tuberculosis care model with those managed in primary health care settings.

Methods: A retrospective multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in six districts in Botswana. Patient's records were reviewed using a data extraction sheet, and data not captured on registers were obtained using a structured questionnaire.

Results: Three hundred and twenty-four TB patients were sampled. Most participants (84 %; n = 273) were receiving community-based DOT. Patients with moderate TB knowledge (OR 5.3,955 CI 1.01-27.7), good perception of TB care (OR 11, 95 % CI 1.29-94.0), were more likely to enroll for community DOT and achieve treatment cure. Those in businesses (OR 3.85 95 %CI 1.10-22.6), always had treatment available (OR 3.66, 95 % CI 1.12-11.4), never drank alcohol (OR 2.11, 95 %CI 1.06-4.19), used their vehicle (OR 2.11.95 %CI 0.99-4.48) were likely to enroll for community DOT.

Conclusion: A patient-specific education program and continuous improvement practices to increase patient TB knowledge and satisfaction should be implemented at all levels to improve treatment outcomes.