Factors associated with tuberculosis treatment completion by Gender during 2014 - 2016 in Kampala, Uganda: A retrospective descriptive study

Abstract BackgroundTo date, limited number of studies have explored the effect of gender in treatment outcomes in Uganda. No data on disaggregated treatment outcomes and influential factors by gender has been comprehensive compiled by the existing studies.Objective To determine the gender differences in TB patients treatment outcomes between 2014 and 2016 in Kampala in order to inform national policy and provide targeted interventions.Methods A retrospective cohort study using routine data of all eligible individuals who were initiated on first-line TB therapy between 2014 and 2016. De-identified data was obtained from all the Kampala divisions electronic TB registers, cleaned and analysed using STATA version 13.Results Of the 18,855 patients started on treatment during the study period, only 17,461 were included in the final analysis. Males were more likely to be 35 years or older, received DOT at facility yet females were more likely to be new patients. In addition, males were more likely to be pulmonary bacteriologically confirmed than females (OR 1.08 95% CI 1.00 - 1.17). Successful treatment completion and ART uptake were similar by gender. Of all outcomes, 83% were treatment successfully, 11% died, 1% treatment failed treatment and 5% got lost to follow-up. Compared to females, males were more likely to be lost from TB care and die compared to females.Conclusion Among TB patients in Kampala from 2014 to 2016, we found evidence that successful treatment completion is not influenced by gender. However other factors that may be associated with successful TB treatment completion include age, disease classification, HIV status and type of patient.