Lifestyle changes among Tuberculosis patients attending the Central Chest Clinic Colombo

Abstract

Background Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious air borne disease and it is a major public health problem. The disease is more commonly seen in under developed countries. Association of TB with stigmatization and its impact on lifestyle of the patient is an important aspect that worth exploring. Objective To describe the influence of the disease on their lifestyle among tuberculosis patients attending the Central Chest Clinic Colombo Methods This was a descriptive cross sectional study. The study population consisted of all diagnosed tuberculosis patients, who were above the age of 15 attending to Central Chest Clinic Colombo. The total sample size comprised of 266 Tuberculosis patients, who have completed the first two months of treatment course to assess the impact of the disease on their lifestyle. Systematic sampling was conducted by considering the total number of clinic attendees and the duration of data collection. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Results Tuberculosis is associated with the lower socio economic status and linked with poverty. It is common in people with lower level of education and unemployment. More negative lifestyle changes were commonly seen in the socially disadvantaged group of patients which could further worsen their social status. More lifestyle changes had significant associations with male sex, low education level, employment, low income level, retreatment and infective patients, residing within the CMC area and substance abuse (alcohol, smoking, narcotic drug use). The stigma associated with the disease had a major impact on patients’ lifestyles as it has influenced to the family interactions, marital status and social interactions. Conclusion Tuberculosis is associated with poverty, low socio economic status; they change their lifestyle more negatively making them more vulnerable to social disadvantages. Not only the medical treatment, but also the lifestyle aspects of the TB patients need to be considered in patient management.