Assessment of the Prevalence Rate and Risk Factors of Tuberculosis among High-Risk Populations in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria
David Adugh Kuhe *
Department of Public Health Science, National Open University of Nigeria, Makurdi Study Centre, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria and Department of Statistics, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
Usman Naji Gimba
Department of Biology, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of tuberculosis (TB) among high-risk populations in Makurdi Local Government Area (LGA), Benue State, Nigeria.
Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in five selected health facilities in Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria, using questionnaire responses obtained from patients attending the selected facilities between January 2023 and June 2026.
Methodology: Data were collected from 252 patients and analysed to examine socio-demographic, environmental, behavioural, awareness-related, preventive, and HIV-associated factors linked to TB infection. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors independently associated with TB.
Results: The overall prevalence of TB was 61.1%, indicating a substantial disease burden in the study population. Significant socio-demographic risk factors included age, sex, educational attainment, and monthly income, with males and individuals of lower socio-economic status being more affected. Environmental factors, including overcrowding, poor ventilation, inadequate lighting, and reliance on firewood or charcoal for cooking, were strongly associated with TB infection. Behavioural risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, undernutrition, and drug use, significantly increased the likelihood of TB. Conversely, awareness and preventive measures demonstrated protective effects: knowledge that TB is infectious, consistent use of face masks, and receipt of TB health education were associated with lower infection rates. HIV infection emerged as a major biological risk factor, with HIV-positive individuals being almost twice as likely to develop TB. Multivariable logistic regression identified male sex, rural residence, low income, overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, smoking, HIV-positive status, and undernutrition as independent predictors of TB infection.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that TB transmission in Makurdi LGA is influenced by a complex interplay of socio-economic, environmental, behavioural, and biological factors. Integrated interventions focusing on improved housing conditions, poverty reduction, behaviour change, enhanced TB awareness, and strengthened TB–HIV collaborative services are recommended to reduce TB transmission and improve health outcomes among high-risk populations.
Keywords: Tuberculosis, prevalence, high-risk populations, socio-demographic factors, environmental risk factors, behavioural risk factors, HIV co-infection, Makurdi, Nigeria