Assessment of Community Health Nurses’ Role in Tuberculosis Case Detection in Sokoto State

Background: Nigeria ranks among countries with the highest tuberculosis burdens globally, and community health nurses are at the frontline of early case detection and treatment support. Aim: This study assessed the role of community health nurses in tuberculosis case detection in selected local government areas of Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design recruited 80 community health nurses through purposive sampling. A structured questionnaire and interview guide assessed case detection practices, referral pathways, and enablers of community case-finding. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Results: Seventy-two percent of nurses reported conducting regular contact tracing activities, but only 55% consistently used the national TB symptom screening algorithm. Documentation and referral of presumptive TB cases was satisfactory in 49% of participants. Workload and limited access to sputum collection supplies were the primary operational barriers. Conclusion: Community nurses play a vital but inconsistently performed role in TB detection. Standardised symptom screening tools, accessible diagnostic supplies, and community nursing supervisor training are urgently needed to strengthen Nigeria's tuberculosis case-finding strategy. Keywords: tuberculosis, community health nursing, case detection, Sokoto, contact tracing.