Patient Profile and Treatment Outcomes of Pediatric Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: A Cross-Sectional Study from Western Uttar Pradesh

Background: The increasing number of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis presents a growing public health challenge especially for high TB burden country like India. Children represent a vulnerable group often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Aim & Objective: This study evaluates the social and clinical characteristics of paediatric patients with drug-resistant TB and estimate the treatment outcomes . Methods and Material: This cross-sectional study was conducted during September 2023 to August 2024 across 10 Tuberculosis Units. A total of 160 children (?15 years) diagnosed with DR-TB and registered under NTEP were enrolled in study. Statistical analysis used: Demographic and clinical data, drug resistance profiles, and treatment outcomes were collected via structured questionnaire and analysed with Epi Info. Results: Among the 160 patients, 53.1% were aged 11–15 years and 54.9% were male. Over half belonged to the lower middle socioeconomic class; 50.7% lived in slum areas. Fever (66.3%) was the most common symptom. Multidrug-resistant TB constituted 36.1% of cases. Treatment success (cured plus completed) reached 80%. A significant association was identified between drug resistance type and treatment outcome (p=0.001), with MDR-TB and mono-rifampicin resistance linked to poorer outcomes. Conclusions: Pediatric DR-TB predominantly affects older children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds and crowded living conditions, necessitating enhanced diagnostics, individualized treatment, and strengthened support systems to improve outcomes.