Enriching tuberculosis research by measuring poverty better: a perspective

Abstract The relationship between poverty and tuberculosis (TB) is well-documented, as socio-economic deprivation constitutes a risk factor that drives TB transmission and progression while hindering treatment adherence. Despite the importance of controlling for socio-economic status (SES) in TB res...

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Main Authors: Chelsie Cintron, Madolyn Rose Dauphinais, Xinyi Du, Alexa Tabackman, Andrew Lenart, Ashley Laliberte, Jakob Dirksen, Pranay Sinha
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-02-01
Series:BMC Global and Public Health
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s44263-025-00127-z
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author Chelsie Cintron
Madolyn Rose Dauphinais
Xinyi Du
Alexa Tabackman
Andrew Lenart
Ashley Laliberte
Jakob Dirksen
Pranay Sinha
author_facet Chelsie Cintron
Madolyn Rose Dauphinais
Xinyi Du
Alexa Tabackman
Andrew Lenart
Ashley Laliberte
Jakob Dirksen
Pranay Sinha
author_sort Chelsie Cintron
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The relationship between poverty and tuberculosis (TB) is well-documented, as socio-economic deprivation constitutes a risk factor that drives TB transmission and progression while hindering treatment adherence. Despite the importance of controlling for socio-economic status (SES) in TB research, no universally accepted tool exists to measure multidimensional poverty’s impact on TB-affected households. This article provides an overview of existing SES assessment tools, including income-based measures, wealth indices like the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the International Wealth Index (IWI), and multidimensional indices, such as the global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). Each method’s strengths and limitations are considered, particularly in light of the complex deprivations relevant to TB. Recognizing the distinct SES determinants of TB, we emphasize the need for multidimensional, standardized SES measures that are contextually relevant and feasible for TB epidemiology, programmatic evaluations, and translational research. By advancing poverty metrics in TB studies, the global community can better address socio-economic drivers of TB and prioritize pro-poor interventions, fostering equitable health outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-e17ade982afe4b3fa7ba86b6c4c704032025-08-20T01:48:34ZengBMCBMC Global and Public Health2731-913X2025-02-01311910.1186/s44263-025-00127-zEnriching tuberculosis research by measuring poverty better: a perspectiveChelsie Cintron0Madolyn Rose Dauphinais1Xinyi Du2Alexa Tabackman3Andrew Lenart4Ashley Laliberte5Jakob Dirksen6Pranay Sinha7Department of Epidemiology, Brown UniversityBoston Medical Center, Section of Infectious DiseasesBoston Medical Center, Section of Infectious DiseasesBoston Medical Center, Section of Infectious DiseasesBoston Medical Center, Section of Infectious DiseasesBoston Center for Endometriosis, Boston Children’s Hospital and Brigham and Women’s HospitalUniversity of OxfordBoston Medical Center, Section of Infectious DiseasesAbstract The relationship between poverty and tuberculosis (TB) is well-documented, as socio-economic deprivation constitutes a risk factor that drives TB transmission and progression while hindering treatment adherence. Despite the importance of controlling for socio-economic status (SES) in TB research, no universally accepted tool exists to measure multidimensional poverty’s impact on TB-affected households. This article provides an overview of existing SES assessment tools, including income-based measures, wealth indices like the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the International Wealth Index (IWI), and multidimensional indices, such as the global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). Each method’s strengths and limitations are considered, particularly in light of the complex deprivations relevant to TB. Recognizing the distinct SES determinants of TB, we emphasize the need for multidimensional, standardized SES measures that are contextually relevant and feasible for TB epidemiology, programmatic evaluations, and translational research. By advancing poverty metrics in TB studies, the global community can better address socio-economic drivers of TB and prioritize pro-poor interventions, fostering equitable health outcomes.https://doi.org/10.1186/s44263-025-00127-zTuberculosisPovertySocio-economic factorsGlobal health
spellingShingle Chelsie Cintron
Madolyn Rose Dauphinais
Xinyi Du
Alexa Tabackman
Andrew Lenart
Ashley Laliberte
Jakob Dirksen
Pranay Sinha
Enriching tuberculosis research by measuring poverty better: a perspective
BMC Global and Public Health
Tuberculosis
Poverty
Socio-economic factors
Global health
title Enriching tuberculosis research by measuring poverty better: a perspective
title_full Enriching tuberculosis research by measuring poverty better: a perspective
title_fullStr Enriching tuberculosis research by measuring poverty better: a perspective
title_full_unstemmed Enriching tuberculosis research by measuring poverty better: a perspective
title_short Enriching tuberculosis research by measuring poverty better: a perspective
title_sort enriching tuberculosis research by measuring poverty better a perspective
topic Tuberculosis
Poverty
Socio-economic factors
Global health
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s44263-025-00127-z
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