Strengthening Community-Based Tuberculosis Case Finding Through Integrated Primary Health Care in Nigeria
1
Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Nigeria remains among the highest tuberculosis (TB) burden countries globally, with delayed diagnosis and weak community–facility linkages undermining TB control efforts. Integrating TB case finding into routine primary health care and community outreach may improve early detection and equitable access to care.
METHODS:
A mixed-methods implementation study was conducted in rural and peri-urban communities in southwestern Nigeria between 2023 and 2025. Community health workers integrated TB symptom screening into routine household visits and primary care encounters. Quantitative program data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests assessed changes in presumptive TB identification, diagnostic uptake, and treatment initiation (p < 0.05). Qualitative interviews were analyzed thematically.
RESULTS:
Presumptive TB identification increased from 112 to 155 cases per 10,000 population, representing a 38% increase (χ² = 14.7; p = 0.001). Diagnostic testing uptake improved from 62.4% to 81.6% (p < 0.001), with notable gains among women and adults aged ≥50 years. Treatment initiation among confirmed cases rose from 84.1% to 93.5%. Qualitative findings indicated improved community trust, reduced stigma, and stronger referral linkages.
CONCLUSIONS:
Preventive health service utilization in urban informal settlements is shaped by intersecting gender and socioeconomic factors. Equity-focused public health interventions that address structural barriers are necessary to improve preventive care coverage in rapidly urbanizing settings.
Nigeria remains among the highest tuberculosis (TB) burden countries globally, with delayed diagnosis and weak community–facility linkages undermining TB control efforts. Integrating TB case finding into routine primary health care and community outreach may improve early detection and equitable access to care.
METHODS:
A mixed-methods implementation study was conducted in rural and peri-urban communities in southwestern Nigeria between 2023 and 2025. Community health workers integrated TB symptom screening into routine household visits and primary care encounters. Quantitative program data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests assessed changes in presumptive TB identification, diagnostic uptake, and treatment initiation (p < 0.05). Qualitative interviews were analyzed thematically.
RESULTS:
Presumptive TB identification increased from 112 to 155 cases per 10,000 population, representing a 38% increase (χ² = 14.7; p = 0.001). Diagnostic testing uptake improved from 62.4% to 81.6% (p < 0.001), with notable gains among women and adults aged ≥50 years. Treatment initiation among confirmed cases rose from 84.1% to 93.5%. Qualitative findings indicated improved community trust, reduced stigma, and stronger referral linkages.
CONCLUSIONS:
Preventive health service utilization in urban informal settlements is shaped by intersecting gender and socioeconomic factors. Equity-focused public health interventions that address structural barriers are necessary to improve preventive care coverage in rapidly urbanizing settings.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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