Socio-demographic Characteristics of Tuberculosis Patients in Public Health Facilities in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a significant global health challenge and is one of the leading causes of death from an infectious disease. The socio-demographic status of patients with TB has a crucial role in the transmission, control, and management of the infection. Objectives: This study was undertaken to examine socio-demographic characteristics evident among TB patients in some selected public health facilities in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods: A survey design was adopted for this study. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select study participants from the three senatorial districts of the State. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. A total of 310 TB patients were sampled for the study. The collected data were analysed using SPSS software, version 23. Results: The study findings revealed that the majority of the participants were male, married, and educated up to secondary school level. The findings also revealed that most of the study participants were young adults in their economically productive age and self-employed. Moreover, a high proportion of the participants were low-income earners, living in a single room and frequently using commercial buses as a means of transportation to the DOTS Centre. Conclusions: This study highlights the prevalent characteristics of TB patients and should guide further research and identify the target group when intervention is needed.