MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study utilising secondary data from the National Tuberculosis Registry (NTBR). The study was conducted in Selangor among relapsed TB patients who were registered in NTBR from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019. TB disease profile, TB treatment profile, comorbidities, and sociodemographic data were examined. The determinants of unsuccessful treatment outcomes among relapsed TB patients were identified using multiple (binary) logistic regression analyses.
RESULTS: 896 patients who experienced relapsed tuberculosis were included in this study. 32.25% were reported to have unsuccessful treatment outcomes. Multiple (binary) logistic regression revealed that the absence of sputum smear examination at 5 months and beyond was a determinant of unsuccessful treatment outcome (AOR 1.70 (95% CI: 1.19, 2.44). Additionally, being treated in government facilities, such as government hospitals and government primary health clinics, was a protective factor (AOR 0.06 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.15) and AOR 0.02 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.04), respectively.
CONCLUSION: The high proportion of unsuccessful treatment outcomes among relapse TB patients stresses the importance of adherence to routine sputum monitoring and public-private partnerships.