Journal of Biomedical Advancement Scientific Research

Abstract

Background: The success of tuberculosis (TB) treatment programs has led to a growing global population of TB survivors. However, this has been accompanied by an increased burden of chronic respiratory disease including Post-TB lung disease (PTLD), which accounts for 4% of chronic disease in sub- Saharan Africa. Uganda, as a country is endemic for TB and this means that while treatment programs may be efficient, a significant number of TB survivors continue to suffer various symptoms of PTLD and sustain impairments to their quality of life even after TB treatment completion. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTLD-indicative symptoms and assess the quality of life among patients post-TB treatment.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study collected quantitative data from 149 participants at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya-TB clinic. Demographic and clinical symptom data were recorded electronically. Analysis involved descriptive statistics and Poisson regression to identify risk factors associated with PTLD symptoms. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the SGRQ tool in which total scores were obtained from the three domains assessed which were symptoms, impact and activity score and the data summarized by descriptive statistics. Associations were also measured between patient characteristics and the Quality of Life of patients who had completed TB treatment.

Results: The prevalence of PTLD-indicative symptoms was 16.11%, with cough and breathlessness being most common. Prevalence did not differ significantly by gender or HIV status. Significant risk factors were a history of smoking (PR=2.42, p=0.039) and more than one prior TB episode; the latter group had a fourfold higher rate of symptoms (p<0.001). Overall quality of life was mildly impaired, though patients over 40 reported moderate to poor scores.

Conclusion: A significant proportion of TB survivors in St Francis Hospital Nsambya, experience respiratory symptoms indicative of PTLD. The findings justify establishing programmatic interventions to mitigate PTLD effects and improve long-term quality of life for this population.