Assessment of Nutritional and Socio-Demographic Status of Tuberculosis Patients of an Urban Slum of Tuberculosis Unit in Mumbai

Abstract

Background: TB has been found to coexist with malnutrition among patients at diagnosis in both developed and developing countries. Malnutrition is considered as an important risk factor for tuberculosis and it is also a common consequence of tuberculosis. Aims: To estimate the proportion of malnutrition among tuberculosis (TB) patients at diagnosis and to determine factors associated with malnutrition.Materials and methods: It's a Cross sectional study conducted in a slum under one of the Tuberculosis Units, of Malvani, Mumbai for the duration of 9 months in total 200 diagnosed tuberculosis patients fulfilling inclusion criteria. An interviewer administered schedule consisting of questions regarding their socio-demographic status, economic status, body mass index (BMI) and type of tuberculosis at diagnosis.All responses tabulated in Microsoft-Excel 2010 Software. Data is analysed using Epi data analysis Version 2.2.2 build 177.Results: The mean body mass index was 16.8 Kg/m2. Malnourished patients were 79%, including 35% having severe thinness (<16 Kg/m2). Severe thinness was seen more among patients with availability and colour of ration card (36.4%), patients with low education (38.4%) and among dependent patients (41%). Nutritional status was significantly associated with the type of tuberculosis (p=0.01) Conclusions: Proportion of malnutrition including severe malnutrition among TB patients was found to be very high. National Program should include nutritional assessment of TB patients to reduce the risk of mortality and relapse.