Abstract:
Background: Tuberculosis makes undernutrition worse and undernutrition weakens immunity, thereby increasing the likelihood that latent TB will develop into active disease. This may result due to illness that impairs nutrient intake and metabolism or results from inadequate intake of macronutrients, micronutrients, or both. Undernutrition is a significant risk factor for developing tuberculosis. However, previous studies were limited to hospital level.
Objective: To assess the magnitude of undernutrition and associated factors among adult tuberculosis patients in west Shoa zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia, 2023.
Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in West Shoa Zone among 397 adult TB patients selected using a systematic random sampling technique from April 21 to May 20, 2023. Data were collected using pretested, structured, and interviewer-administered questionnaires, and then anthropometric assessment was done. Data were entered using EpiData 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 26. A binary logistic regression analysis model was computed, and variables with a p-value < 0.25 in bivariable logistic regression were considered for multivariable logistic regression analysis. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence interval was estimated to identify the strength of association. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value <0.05.
Results: A total of 388 adult TB patients were involved in the study making the response rate 97.7%. The prevalence of undernutrition was 38.1% (95% CI [33.27 %, 42.92%]). Being the age group between 18-24 years (AOR = 3.85; 95 % CI = 1.92, 7.74) and 25 – 34 years (AOR = 2.00; 95 % CI = 1.32, 3.91), with no formal educational status [AOR = 2.90; 95 % CI = 1.41, 5.95)], in the medium house hold wealth index [AOR = 1.79; 95 % CI = 1.23, 3.11)], drinking alcohol (AOR = 1.98; 95 % CI = 1.24, 3.43), having ≥ 5 family members [AOR = 1.73; 95 % CI = 1.26, 2.82)], and Having no nutrition care and support [AOR = 1.84; 95 % CI = (1.39, 3.09)] were factors significantly associated with undernutrition among adult TB patients.
Conclusion: The magnitude of undernutrition was found to be high38.1% (95% CI [33.27 %, 42.92%]).Being the age group between 18-24 years and 25- 34 years, with no formal educational status, in the medium household wealth index, drinking alcohol, having ≥ 5 family members, and having no nutritional care and support were found to be significantly associated with undernutrition among adult TB patients. Therefore, nutritional support and working on the identified factors should be part of the routine care of adult TB patients
