Challenges in engaging the private sector for tuberculosis prevention and care in Nigeria: a mixed methods study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the practices of private practitioners regarding tuberculosis (TB), and to ascertain factors related to the low contribution of private healthcare providers to TB prevention and care in Nigeria.DesignThis is a mixed methods study comprising a quantitative retrospective review and qualitative study.SettingPrivate health facilities (HF) in Oyo State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria.ParticipantsWe used routinely collected data on patients with tuberculosis (TB) notified between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018. In-depth interviews were also conducted with the clinical staff of the facilities.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe study outcomes are practices of TB case notification and treatment outcome, as well as the barriers and enablers of TB notification.ResultsA total of 13 (11.0%) out of 118 private HF were designated as 'engaged' TB care facilities in Oyo State and none (0%) of the 198 private HF in the FCT held this designation. From the 214 patients with presumptive TB, 75 (35%) were diagnosed with TB, 42 (56%) had a bacteriological test done, 12 (16%) had an X-ray of the chest alone and 21 (28%) had other non-specific investigations. Most patients diagnosed were referred to a public HF, while 19 (25%) patients were managed at the private HF. Among them, 2 (10.5%) patients were treated with unconventional regimens, 4 (21%) were cured, 2 (11%) died, 3 (16%) lost to follow-up and 10 (53%) were not evaluated. The general practitioners did not have up-to-date knowledge of TB with a majority not trained on TB. Most referred patients with presumptive and confirmed TB to the public sector without feedback and were unclear regarding diagnostic algorithm and relevant tests to confirm TB.ConclusionMost private facilities were not engaged to provide TB services although with knowledge and practice gaps. The study has been used to develop plans for strategic engagement of the private sector in Nigeria.