Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The higher prevalence of anemia among TB patients is concerning due to its association with delayed sputum conversion and poor treatment outcomes. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of anemia with sputum smear conversion and treatment outcomes among TB patients. In a prospective community-based cohort study, TB patients were recruited from 63 primary health centers in the district. Blood samples were collected at baseline, at 2 months, and at the end of 6 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 15. Out of 661 patients recruited, anemia was observed among 503 (76.1%) participants. Prevalence of anemia was more among males 387 (76.9%) than 116 (23.1%) females. Out of 503 anemic patients, 334 (66.4%) had mild, 166 (33.0%) had moderate, and 3 (0.6%) had severe anemia at baseline. At 6-month treatment completion, 16 (6.3%) were still anemic. Among 503 anemic patients, 445 (88.4%) were given iron supplements and remaining 58 (11.6%) were managed with diet modifications. After completion of TB treatment, 495 (98.4%) patients had favorable treatment outcomes, whereas 8 (1.6%) patients had died. Severe anemia was not associated with poor outcomes. The presence of anemia among newly diagnosed TB patients, especially pulmonary TB was high. Increased risk of anemia was noted among males who were alcohol and tobacco consumers. There was no significant association between the presence of anemia and sputum conversion from baseline to 6 months of treatment completion.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.