Impact of socio-demographic factors on prevalence of rifampicin resistance among patients attending some hospitals in Yobe state of Nigeria

Rifampicin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a public health concern in many countries including Nigeria. There is an increase of multidrug resistant tuberculosis which results to morbidity and mortality among presumptive tuberculosis patients. Data regarding Rifampicin resistant tuberculosis in the study area are lacking. A one year prospective, cross-sectional, laboratory based study was carried out among patients attending Direct Observed Treatment Short course in Damaturu, Gashua and potiskum specialist hospitals, Yobe State, Nigeria; from January, 2020 to December, 2020. Sputum samples were collected from consented / assented participants and analyzed using MTB/RIF assay (Cepheid, GeneXpert USA). The data were analyzed using Person Chi-Square and p≤0.05 considered the presence of significant relationship and results were presented in tables and charts. Out of 400 studied participants, males had a prevalence of 2.5% (10/400) while females had 0.8% (3/400). Age group 30-39 years had the highest prevalence of 1.5%. The results show significant relationship between age, gender, and marital status, in the study area. This study confirmed the presence of Rifampicin resistant tuberculosis in the study area. Therefore, there’s need to have a public health awareness and strengthen the laboratory capacity for diagnosis and make the services available and accessible to the patients who need them.