EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS ON AWARENESS OF TUBERCULOSIS PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading infectious causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a disproportionate burden in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria ranks among the highest TB burden countries globally despite sustained efforts to strengthen tuberculosis control through the implementation and expansion of the Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) strategy. Although DOTS coverage has improved substantially, TB case detection remains below the World Health Organization (WHO) target, limiting the effectiveness of disease control interventions. Factors such as inadequate knowledge of TB, poor risk perception, stigma, delayed health-seeking behavior, and limited access to diagnostic and treatment services continue to impede early diagnosis and successful treatment outcomes. This study highlights the epidemiological burden of tuberculosis in Nigeria, examines the challenges affecting TB control and case detection, and emphasizes the importance of improving public awareness, reducing stigma, enhancing access to quality TB services, and strengthening community participation to achieve effective prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of tuberculosis.