Treatment outcomes of drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Kenya

Successful treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is crucial in preventing disease transmission and reducing related morbidity and mortality. A standardised DR-TB treatment regimen is used in Kenya. Although patients on treatment are monitored, no evaluation of factors affecting treatment outcomes has yet been performed.

To analyse treatment outcomes of DR-TB patients in Kenya and factors associated with successful outcome.

Retrospective analysis of secondary data from Kenya's National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung disease programme. DR-TB data from the national database for January to December 2012 were reviewed.

Of 205 DR-TB patients included in the analysis, 169 (82.4%) had a successful treatment outcome, 18 (9%) died and 18 (9%) were lost to follow-up. Only sex (P = 0.006) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status (P = 0.008) were predictors of successful treatment. Females were more likely to attain treatment success (OR 3.86, 95%CI 1.47-10.12), and HIV-negative status increased the likelihood of successful treatment (OR 3.53, 95%CI 1.4-8.9).

Treatment success rates were higher than World Health Organization targets. Targeted policies for HIV-positive patients and males will improve treatment outcomes in these groups.