Undernutrition and its predictors among tuberculosis patients in Southwest Ethiopia
Author Information
Author(s): Shifera Nigusie, Yosef Tewodros
Primary Institution: Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan Teferi, Ethiopia
Hypothesis
This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among adult TB patients in public hospitals in southwest Ethiopia.
Conclusion
Undernutrition among adult tuberculosis (TB) patients is notably high compared to other settings, with key predictors identified.
Supporting Evidence
- The prevalence of undernutrition among adult TB patients was 43.93%.
- Family size >5, household income <2,000 birr, type of TB, and positive HIV status were independent predictors of undernutrition.
- TB patients with a family size of ≥5 had 3.19 times higher odds of undernutrition.
- Patients with an average income of <2000 birr had 5.64 times higher odds of undernutrition.
Takeaway
Many adults with tuberculosis in southwest Ethiopia are not getting enough food, which makes them sicker. We need to help them eat better.
Methodology
An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted with 239 adult TB patients selected via systematic sampling and data analyzed using SPSS.
Potential Biases
The questions used to assess behavioral and lifestyle factors may have been subject to social desirability bias.
Limitations
The study did not use other biomarkers to classify undernutrition and may have been subject to social desirability bias.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were male (63.6%), with a mean age of 33.6 years, and varied educational backgrounds.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.16–9.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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