In Saudi Arabia, the incidence of Pulmonary and Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) has decreased dramatically over the last 15 years. Great efforts have been made by Ministry of Health for early detection and treatment of TB patients. This study aims to determine the cure rate of TB patients diagnosed in the Eastern province, Saudi Arabia during years 2000 and 2001.
Methodology
A Retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, reviewing all TB cases diagnosed at different health institutes in the Eastern Province during the period from January 1st 2000, until December 31st 2001. At each hospital, medical files of TB patients were reviewed using a standard questionnaire to abstract the required information. Cure Rate was estimated by considering those who were cured or completed the treatment as nominator and the sum of the patients who were cured, completed the treatment, defaulted, failure, and not specified as dominators. Patients who died or were transferred out or deported were excluded from the formula used in Cure Rate estimation.
Results
During years 2000 & 2001, a total of 451 TB cases were diagnosed at different health institutes. 366 (81%) were pulmonary and 85 (19%) were extra pulmonary. Saudis accounted for 144 (39%) of Pulmonary and 18 (21%) of Extra Pulmonary TB cases. The majority of Pulmonary (82.8%) and Extra Pulmonary (61%) were diagnosed at Chest (MOH) hospital. Pulmonary TB Cure Rates were 70.6% and 70.2% for years 2000 & 2001 respectively. Extra Pulmonary TB Cure rates were 72.1% and 63.6% for years 2000 & 2001 respectively. A younger age, being Saudi national, first time treated and admitted TB cases were identified to have a better cure rate.
Conclusion
Promote the referral of TB patients to chest hospital for treatment and follow up. Pulmonary TB cases should be admitted at least for the intensive phase to improve the cure rate. Improvement of physician's awareness at different treating units regarding TB diagnosis and treatment. Strengthening Direct Observation Therapy, Short course (DOTS) strategy.