Nutritional and Epidemiological Characteristics of Iraqi TB Patients

Abstract

Abstract:Introduction: There is good evidence, both at the population and the clinical level, for the effect of primary malnutrition on tuberculosis, both to increase frequency of occurrence and to exacerbate clinical manifestations.Objectives: To study the nutritional and socio-epidemiological characteristics that may affects the Iraqi TB patients.Patients And Method: Prospective observational designed study for one year were conducted in Al-Rasheed Teaching Military Hospital / Department of Medicine – TB and pulmonology clinic. A 206 patients of pulmonary TB visiting the clinic monthly were included in the study. At the interview patients asked about medical history (including the social habits, smoking, family history of TB and history of prison); examined physically and assessed nutritionally (BMI, triceps Skin fold thickness and waist to hip ratio) then send for laboratory investigation ( Hb%, sputum for AFB, liver function test) at each monthly visit.Results: mean age of patients were 26.12 ± 6.46 years and BMI 20.09 ± 3.37 kg/m2; while the prevalence of malnutrition (BMI <18.5 kg/m2) was 23.52% of studied patients. Mean duration of complaint 37.82±26.91 days before seeking medical consultation. Prisoners form 61.28% of all patients. Prevalence of smoking was 61.76% among studied patients. Prevalence of previous TB history was 19.60% of patients. Prevalence of positive TB family history was 7.38% of patients.Conclusions: Nutritional status, Prison, smoking, previous TB history and family history of TB were possible TB risk factors which compound the nutritional effects on TB patients.