Abstract
BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem, commonly seen in underdeveloped countries. The probability of contracting the disease is significantly higher among the economically vulnerable and the socially disadvantaged. Risk factors associated with TB can also change over time. In the Sri Lankan context, no study has explored how these factors impact patients. Therefore, we aimed to explore social status, associated risk factors and lifestyle changes during the treatment period of TB patients attending a tertiary respiratory center in Colombo, Sri Lanka.MethodsThe descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011. The study population consisted of diagnosed tuberculosis patients above the age of 15 years. Patient records were retrieved from the TB patient registry for the Colombo district. Systematic sampling was used to identify patients to be invited to the study. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were collected on social status (example, level of education, employment, and income), associated risk factors (example, smoking and alcohol consumption, contact history, narcotic drug use) and lifestyle changes during treatment (example, employment status, social interactions). The analysis included a logistic regression model to explore the association between social status and risk factors.ResultsThe total number of patients included in the study was 425. Tuberculosis was found to be strongly prevalent among participants from the lower socio-economic status. It was also common in participants with a low level of education, unemployed, if employed, those who are engaged in unskilled employment and have low levels of income. Risk factors associated with the patients were smoking, alcohol consumptions, narcotic drug use, imprisonment, close contact history with active TB patients and chronic medical conditions. Changes in employment and the reduction of social-interactions were the main lifestyle changes of the participants occurred during the treatment period. The analysis also showed positive correlation between low-level social status and sputum smear infectivity, and use of dangerous drugs. Even after adjusting for confounders, tuberculosis negatively affected social interactions and income levels of participants from the low social status.ConclusionLow socio-economic status negatively affected the lifestyle and social interactions of patients during the treatment period. Though competent treatment programs exist in Sri Lanka, it is still important to identify and mitigate risk factors associated with tuberculosis patients. A comprehensive multi-disciplinary approach considering patient lifestyle, and the implications of the disease and treatment on social interactions may strengthen the current preventive strategies.
Highlights
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem, commonly seen in underdeveloped countries
The findings from our study show 12% of the respondents (n = 32) who had ever-smoked still continuing to smoke despite their disease status and treatment regimen, highlighting the need for comprehensive smoking cessation interventions to be integrated into future programs in Sri Lanka [29]
This study found that TB was strongly associated with the low socioeconomic status
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem, commonly seen in underdeveloped countries. The probability of contracting the disease is significantly higher among the economically vulnerable and the socially disadvantaged. We aimed to explore social status, associated risk factors and lifestyle changes during the treatment period of TB patients attending a tertiary respiratory center in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Tuberculosis (TB) as an airborne infectious disease is a major global health challenge. The estimated global incidence of active TB is 10 million with 1.8 million associated deaths each year. Despite Sri Lanka being classified as a low-prevalence country, around 9,000 cases are notified annually with smear-positive disease, at an incident rate of 60% [4]. The probability of contracting the disease is significantly higher among the economically vulnerable and the socially disadvantaged due to increased exposure to active carriers [5]. Context-specific reasons to clustering of TB cases in urbanized communities need to be evaluated [8] and novel non-health intervention strategies such as social protection and urban planning are important elements of program planning [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
