Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis in Fujian Province, Southeast China: a retrospective analysis of drug resistance screening and treatment outcomes, 2019-2024

Backgrounds Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) remains a major challenge to global TB control efforts. In Fujian Province, Southeast China, where RR-TB prevalence has been notably high, understanding epidemiological trends and treatment outcomes is crucial for optimizing interventions. This study aimed to analyze RR-TB characteristics, resistance patterns, and treatment outcomes to inform evidence-based control strategies. Methods An observational study was conducted utilizing data from China's National Tuberculosis Information Management System, focusing on bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis cases reported in Fujian Province during 2019-2024. Epidemiological characteristics, drug resistance and outcomes of RR-TB were described as frequency (n) and percentage (%). Risk factors for unsuccessful outcomes were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results A total of 1,368 RR-TB patients were detected, with an overall resistance rate of 3.7%. The RR rate showed a steady decline year by year ( χ 2 = 76.214, p χ 2 = 60.966, p p p AOR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.11-2.52, p = 0.014), age ≥45 years ( AOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.58-3.26, p AOR = 1.42, 95% CI : 1.04-1.94, p = 0.026), and occupation as farmer/worker ( AOR = 2.17, 95% CI : 1.10-4.26, p = 0.025) as independent risk factors of unsuccessful treatment. Conclusion Fujian Province has demonstrated a steady decline in rifampicin resistance rates, primarily driven by reductions in new TB cases. However, treatment inclusion rate and success rate remains suboptimal, highlighting the need for targeted interventions-including enhanced adherence support, intensive follow-up, and adverse event management-particularly for high-risk groups such as older males and manual laborers. These findings can guide tailored strategies to further reduce RR-TB burden in similar settings.