LATEBREAKER
Infectious Disease
Prevalence of TB-related Symptoms and Self-reported Disability Among Adults Post-TB Treatment in Kampala, Uganda: A Retrospective Study Adenike McDonald* Adenike McDonald Juliet Sekandi Patrick Kaggwa Asmith Joseph Esther Buregyeya Sarah Zalwango Damalie Nakkonde
Background: Growing evidence suggests that post-TB related morbidity occurs, however, limited epidemiological data exists on the burden of symptoms and disability post TB treatment. Our study evaluated the prevalence of TB-symptoms, self-reported disability and factors associated among individuals who recently completed TB treatment in Uganda.
Methods: Between January 2022 and October 2023, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults ≥18 years who had successfully completed treatment for drug-sensitive TB in Kampala, Uganda. We collected data on current TB-related symptoms, and we measured disability using 12 items adopted from the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (Whodas 2.0).
Results: Of the 200 participants, the median age (IQR) was 33.0 (26- 44.5), 105 (52.5%) were male, and 46 (23%) were HIV-infected. The prevalence of any TB-related symptoms was 58%. The proportion of persons self-reporting any disability was 83.5%. The median (IQR) disability score was 16 (13-21), and the mobility and participation domains contributed 52.3% of the cumulative disability score. Being female, completing treatment 6-8 months prior to interview, and having TB-related symptoms were significantly associated with self-reporting a disability in any of the domains with the AOR being 2.37 (p=0.04), 2.87 (p=0.04) and 2.51 (p=0.03) respectively after adjusting for age, and HIV status.
Conclusions: TB-related symptoms and self-reported disability were highly prevalent in the study setting suggesting that the health and wellbeing for persons who complete TB treatment remain compromised. Further evaluation and interventions to address the quality of life for survivors during the post TB period should be considered as part of the continuum of care.