Assessment of TB underreporting by level of reporting system in Lagos, Nigeria

Nigeria has an estimated TB prevalence of 219 per 100,000 population. In 2019, Nigeria diagnosed and notified 27% of the WHO-estimated cases of all forms of TB and contributed 11% of the missing TB cases globally.

To assess TB underreporting by type and level of health facility (HF), and associated factors in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Quantitative secondary data analysis of TB cases was conducted in 2015. χ² test was used to assess the association between treatment initiation, TB underreporting, local government area (LGA) and HF characteristics.

Overall, 2,064 persons with bacteriologically confirmed TB (15.5%) were not matched to patients in sampled TB registers. Treatment status was unknown for 86 cases (IQR 55-97) per LGA. LGAs with higher case-loads had higher proportions of cases with unknown TB status. Discrepant reporting of treated TB was also common (60% HFs). Primary-level TB treatment facilities and unengaged private facilities were less likely to notify.

There was TB under-reporting across all types and levels of HFs and LGAs. There is a need to revise or strengthen the process of supervision and data quality assurance system at all levels.