Disability, comorbidities and risk determinants at end of TB treatment in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe

BACKGROUND: We examined the feasibility of assessing and referring adults successfully completing TB treatment for comorbidities, risk determinants and disability in health facilities in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study within national TB programmes. RESU...

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Main Authors: The Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe TB Disability Study Group (members listed here in alphabetical order):, S.A. Adakun, F.M. Banda, A. Bloom, M. Bochnowicz, J. Chakaya, A. Chansa, H. Chiguvare, R. Chimzizi, C. Colvin, J.P. Dongo, A. Durena, C. Duri, R. Edmund, A.D. Harries, I. Kathure, F.N. Kavenga, Y. Lin, H. Luzze, I. Mbithi, M. Mputu, A. Mubanga, D. Nair, M. Ngwenya, B. Okotu, P. Owiti, A. Owuor, P. Thekkur, C. Timire, S. Turyahabwe, E. Tweyongyere, M. YaDiul, R. Zachariah, K. Zimba
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) 2024-05-01
Series:IJTLD Open
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Online Access:https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/iuatld/ijtldo/2024/00000001/00000005/art00002
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Summary:BACKGROUND: We examined the feasibility of assessing and referring adults successfully completing TB treatment for comorbidities, risk determinants and disability in health facilities in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study within national TB programmes. RESULTS: Health workers assessed 1,063 patients (78% of eligible) in a median of 22 min [IQR 16–35] and found it useful and feasible to accomplish in addition to other responsibilities. For comorbidities, 476 (44%) had HIV co-infection, 172 (16%) had high blood pressure (newly detected in 124), 43 (4%) had mental health disorders (newly detected in 33) and 36 (3%) had diabetes mellitus. The most common risk determinants were ‘probable alcohol dependence’ (15%) and malnutrition (14%). Disability, defined as walking <400 m in 6 min, was found in 151/882 (17%). Overall, 763 (72%) patients had at least one comorbidity, risk determinant and/or disability. At least two-thirds of eligible patients were referred for care, although 80% of those with disability needed referral outside their original health facility. CONCLUSIONS: Seven in 10 patients completing TB treatment had at least one comorbidity, risk determinant and/or disability. This emphasises the need for offering early patient-centred care, including pulmonary rehabilitation, to improve quality of life, reduce TB recurrence and increase long-term survival.
ISSN:3005-7590