Weight Gain and Associated Factors among Adult Tuberculosis Patients on Treatment in Northwest Ethiopia: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Introduction: Ethiopia remains one of the highest tuberculosis burden countries in the world and tuberculosis is one of the most pressing health problems. Weight gain in the course of Anti tuberculosis treatment is indicator of improved nutritional status and treatment success. Objectives: To assess weight gain and associated factors among adult tuberculosis patients on directly observed treatment short-course in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based longitudinal study was conducted from March 1 to August 28, 2013 at tuberculosis units in Gondar town and surrounding community. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 407 patients. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurement was performed. Data were entered in to EPI-INFO version 3.5.1 and analysed using SPSS version 20 software. Multiple linear regression models were used to see effect of factors on weight gain among adult tuberculosis patients. Results: A total of 384 patients were participated in the study. The mean ( ± SD) body weights (in kg) for the patients were 45.9 ± 7.4, 48.9 ± 7.4 and 51.1 ± 7.4 at diagnosis, after two months and end of six months treatments respectively. The mean ( ± SD) weight gain was 5.2 kgs (95% CI: 4.83, 5.54), ± 3.55, at the end of 6th-month’s treatments. Meal frequency four and above (ß 1.886) and being literate (ß 1.286) have shown positive association with weight gain, whereas previous tuberculosis treatment (ß -1.652) showed negative association with weight gain of study patients. Conclusion: Two-third of tuberculosis patients was underweight at the time of diagnosis. However, after initiation of anti- tuberculosis drug there were significant increments in weight gain. The weight gain of patients was affected by educational status, history of previous tuberculosis treatment and meal frequency per day. Education of tuberculosis patients about drug adherence and adequate food intake during therapy is mandatory.