Regional Disparity in Uninsurance Rate
Assessing TB Treatment Facility Distribution and Accessibility in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Objective: This study assesses the distribution and accessibility of tuberculosis (TB) treatment facilities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It aims to explore how geographic accessibility and demographic disparities impact TB treatment initiation and adherence. The primary objective is to evaluate the spatial inequalities in access to TB treatment, focusing on how these factors influence treatment outcomes in a high-burden region.
Method and Data: This study uses GIS-based raster analysis to examine the distribution of TB patients and treatment facilities across Akwa Ibom State. It employs spatial statistical tools such as Kernel Density and Log Relative Risk (LRR) indices to identify hotspots of TB incidence and treatment accessibility. Data from the KNCV Nigeria Tuberculosis Foundation, collected between October 2020 and January 2022, provides the basis for analysis. The study also applies spatial logistic regression and Cox regression to investigate the impact of accessibility on TB treatment initiation and timing.
Results: The results reveal significant spatial disparities in TB treatment access. Regions with higher LRR, indicating a shortage of treatment facilities, show a lower likelihood of treatment initiation, particularly among women. As the LRR increases, the time to start treatment also lengthens, with women experiencing significantly longer delays than men. Hotspot analysis further highlights high-risk zones where the accessibility of TB treatment services is critically low, suggesting the need for optimized ward locations. The findings emphasize the role of gender and geography in shaping TB treatment outcomes.