The Impact of Tuberculosis on the Well-Being of Adolescents and Young Adults.

Patricia Moscibrodzki,James A Seddon,Silvia S Chiang,Graeme Hoddinott,Leslie A Enane,Virginia Byron,Jennifer Furin,Meredith B Brooks,Lily Meyersohn

doi:10.3390/pathogens10121591

Abstract

The health needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) have been neglected in tuberculosis (TB) care, control, and research. AYAs, who are distinct from younger children and older adults, undergo dynamic physical, psychological, emotional, cognitive, and social development. Five domains of adolescent well-being are crucial to a successful transition between childhood and adulthood: (1) Good health; (2) connectedness and contribution to society; (3) safety and a supportive environment; (4) learning, competence, education, skills, and employability; and (5) agency and resilience. This review summarizes the evidence of the impact of TB disease and treatment on these five domains of AYA well-being.

Highlights

An estimated 850,000 adolescents—defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as individuals between 10–19 years of age—and an additional 1 million young adults— individuals between 20–24 years of age—become sick with tuberculosis (TB) disease each year [1,2]
TB disease and treatment can negatively impact these domains of well-being and thereby derail the growth and transitions that characterize this stage of life
Given the large number of adolescents and young adults (AYAs, ages 10–24 years) affected by TB and the importance of this developmental phase for acquiring the foundation for a healthy, productive adulthood, it is critical for healthcare providers, community leaders, and policymakers to understand how TB disease and treatment impact AYAs’ well-being

Summary

Introduction

An estimated 850,000 adolescents—defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as individuals between 10–19 years of age—and an additional 1 million young adults— individuals between 20–24 years of age—become sick with tuberculosis (TB) disease each year [1,2]. The period between the ages of 10 and 24 years represents a critical period of biological growth and transitions in social roles [3]. During this period, individuals acquire the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and economic resources that serve as the foundation for well-being for the rest of their lives. Given the large number of adolescents and young adults (AYAs, ages 10–24 years) affected by TB and the importance of this developmental phase for acquiring the foundation for a healthy, productive adulthood, it is critical for healthcare providers, community leaders, and policymakers to understand how TB disease and treatment impact AYAs’ well-being.

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion