Effectiveness Digital Mapping on Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes: A Retrospective Comparative Study

Abstract

Nabire Regency in Central Papua has a high tuberculosis (TB) burden with severe geographical challenges and high HIV prevalence. Digital mapping innovation using the Appsheet platform was expected to improve patient tracing, treatment monitoring, and ultimately treatment outcomes.  This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of digital mapping on TB treatment outcomes. A retrospective comparative study was conducted. The sample comprised 711 respondents (387 in the digital mapping intervention group and 324 in the non-digital control group) from 16 puskesmas (8 intervention, 8 control). Analysis included univariate, bivariate (Chi-Square), and multivariate logistic regression (controlling for age and distance) with α = 0.05. The intervention group had significantly better treatment success (79.6% vs. 70.4%; p = 0.004), far fewer patients lost to follow-up (0.8% vs. 13.0%; p < 0.001), and lower mortality (1.3% vs. 4.3%; p = 0.013). Multivariate analysis confirmed digital mapping as a significant factor for treatment success after controlling for age and distance (AOR = 1.760; 95% CI: 1.238–2.501; p = 0.002). Home distance ≥1 km was a significant risk factor for treatment failure (AOR = 0.656; 95% CI: 0.494–0.872; p = 0.004). HIV co-infection prevalence was high (14.2% overall). The study found that digital mapping effectively improves treatment success, reduces loss to follow-up, and reduces mortality among TB patients. Expansion of digital mapping implementation and stronger TB-HIV service integration are recommended..