Treatment Outcomes of Childhood Tuberculosis in Three Districts of Balochistan, Pakistan: Findings from a Retrospective Cohort Study

Background This study aimed to evaluate treatment outcomes and factors associated unsuccessful outcomes among pediatric tuberculosis (TB) patients (age ≤14 years). Methods This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at three districts (Quetta, Zhob and Killa Abdullah) of Balochistan, Pakistan. All childhood TB patients enrolled for treatment at Bolan Medical Complex Hospital (BMCH) Quetta and District Headquarter Hospitals of Zhob and Killa Abdullah from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2018 were included in the study and followed until their treatment outcomes were reported. Data were collected through a purpose developed standardized data collection form and analyzed by using SPSS 20. A p-value Results Out of 5152 TB patients enrolled at the study sites, 2184 (42.4%) were children. Among them, 1941 childhood TB patients had complete medical record were included in the study. Majority of the study participants were Conclusion The study sites collectively reached the World Health Organization's target of treatment success (>85%). Lost to follow-up was the major reason for unsuccessful outcomes. Special attention to patients with identified risk factors for unsuccessful outcomes may improve outcomes further.