Knowledge and use of tuberculosis treatment guidelines in endemic settings: A cross-sectional study among primary health care workers in Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Many countries including Nigeria adopted WHO guidelines on effective case management of tuberculosis among workers at different levels. The aim of this study is to determine familiarity with Standard Treatment Guideline among Primary Health Care Workers in Ogbomoso, Oyo-StateMETHOD: Descriptive cross sectional study conducted among 233 respondents recruited through multistage sampling technique. Data collected using semi-structured interviewer administered pre-tested questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS version 22 soft ware. Level of significance was pre-determined at P-value less than 0.05 at 95% confidence interval.RESULT: The mean age of respondents was 39.4+3.5 years. Ninety four (40%) inadequate knowledge while 139 (60%) had adequate knowledge score of TB and treatment monitoring Guidelines. Also, 163(70%) and 188 (81%) had favourable attitude and good practices towards using national treatment guideline respectively. Respondents with adequate knowledge were more than twice (2.8) likely to be involved in good practices (P=0.001, OR= 2.82 CI= 1.86- 4.28) while those with favourable attitude were 3 and a half times more likely to be involved in good practices (P=0.001, OR= 3.53 CI= 6.91- 1.79)CONCLUSION: Significant knowledge gaps and unfavourable attitude to TB exist among primary health care workers, stressing the need for more training.KEYWORDS: Tuberculosis, Community Health Extension Workers