Factors Contributing to the High Prevalence of Multidrug- Resistant/Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis: A Study From Russia
Abstract Background: Rapidly growing prevalence of multidrug-resistant/Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB; resistance to Isoniazid and Rifampicin/Isolated resistance to Rifampicin) is putting in jeopardy the WHO End TB strategy. This study aimed to identify factors contributing to the high prevalence of MDR/RR-TB in Khabarovsk krai region of Russia.Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted. Clinical, demographic and drug susceptibility testing data on 1440 patients were analyzed. Factors associated with MDR/RR-TB were identified through logistic regression analysis, along with in-depth interviews with eight patients, five healthcare managers and five doctors.Findings: 618 patients (42.9%) were identified with MDR/RR-TB. Patients with a history of imprisonment were 16.53 times (95% CI 5.37 to 50.88,) more likely to have MDR/RR-TB, whereas re-treatment patients were 2.82 times (95% CI 2.16 to 3.66) more likely to have MDR/RR-TB. Other influencing factors included presence of disability (AOR is 2.32, 95% CI 1.38 to 3.89) and cavitary disease (AOR is 1.76, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.25). Poor knowledge, progressive tiredness of prolonged TB treatment and inability to hospitalize infectious patients without their consent were perceived by the interviewees as major influencing factors. Conclusions: Incarceration and treatment history, regardless of outcome, were identified as major factors influencing MDR/RR-TB prevalence. It is essential for TB care system to eliminate legal loopholes, which deprive doctors of means to enforce quarantine procedures and epidemiological surveillance on infected patients, former and current inmates. In addition, increasing people’s awareness of TB, early detection and appropriate treatment of patients with TB are needed for successfully combating MDR/RR-TB.