Background. Few studies have evaluated the rate of tuberculosis (TB)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection and the
determinants of its treatment outcomes in Africa. We aimed to determine the predictors of unsuccessful treatment outcomes in
HIV-infected tuberculosis patients in Nigeria. Methods. A retrospective cohort study design was used to assess adult TB/HIV
patients who registered for TB treatment in two health facilities in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria, between January 2011 and
December 2012. Predictors of unsuccessful treatment outcomes were determined using multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results. Of 1668 TB patients, 342 (20.5%) were HIV coinfected. Of these, 195 (57%) had smear-negative pulmonary TB and 11 (3.2%)
had extrapulmonary TB. Overall, 225 (65.8%) patients achieved successful outcomes, while 117 (34.2%) had unsuccessful outcomes.
The unsuccessful treatment outcomes were due to “default” (9.9%), “death” (19%), “treatment failure” (1.5%), and “transferring
out” (3.8%). Independent determinants for unsuccessful outcomes were receiving care at a public facility and noninitiation of
antiretroviral therapy. Conclusion. There is need for the reevaluation of the quality of public sector treatment services provided
for TB/HIV patients as well as further expansion of TB/HIV collaborative activities in rural areas, and interventions to reduce
mortality and default rates among TB/HIV patients are urgently needed in Nigeria.