Assessment of Tuberculosis Pharmacotherapy Outcomes and Default Rates in DOTS Clinics across Borno State, North East Nigeria

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge in North East Nigeria, exacerbated by insurgency-related displacement and healthcare disruption. Treatment outcomes and default rates from directly observed therapy short-course (DOTS) programmes in this region require urgent evaluation to guide pharmacotherapy management. This study assessed TB pharmacotherapy outcomes and default rates in DOTS clinics across Borno State. Methods: A retrospective cohort study reviewed TB treatment outcome records of 520 patients enrolled in DOTS clinics across five local government areas of Borno State over a two-year period. Outcomes classified as treatment success, default, failure, and death were analysed by demographic, HIV co-infection status, and facility-level variables. Results: Treatment success was achieved in 63 percent of cases. Default rates were 18 percent, significantly higher in internally displaced person settlements (28%) compared to urban clinics (12%). HIV co-infection was associated with a threefold increase in mortality. Side-effect-related default, particularly from hepatotoxicity, was documented in 22 percent of default cases. Conclusion: TB treatment outcomes in Borno DOTS clinics are below the WHO target of 85 percent success. Targeted interventions for displaced populations, enhanced ADR monitoring, and integrated HIV-TB management are required. Keywords: tuberculosis, DOTS, treatment outcomes, Borno State, default rates