Relapse Pulmonary TB: Potential Risk Factor and QoL

Abstract

An exploratory study was conducted to assess the potential risk factors and the quality of life of patients with relapse pulmonary tuberculosis in a selected hospital and their DOTS centers of New Delhi. The main objectives of the study were: (i) to identify the potential risk factors of patient with relapse pulmonary tuberculosis in a selected hospital and DOTS centers of New Delhi, (ii) to assess quality of life of patients with relapse pulmonary tuberculosis in a selected hospital and DOTS centers of New Delhi and (iii) to establish relationship between selected potential risk factors of patients with relapse pulmonary tuberculosis such as diabetes mellitus (DM), AIDS, substance use, and socioeconomic status with their risk status. The conceptual framework for the present study is based on Dröes adaptation-coping model. A quantitative approach with exploratory-descriptive research design was adopted for the study. A structured interview schedule was prepared to assess potential risk factors and quality of life of patients with relapse pulmonary tuberculosis. The reliability of the tool established by using Cronbach-Alpha formula for potential risk factors was found to be 0.77 and quality of life of relapse pulmonary tuberculosis was found to be 0.84. Standardized Socioeconomic Scale, Aggarwal et al. 2005, was adopted to assess socioeconomic status of subjects. The study was conducted at Chest Clinic Tuberculosis Hospital, Nehru Nagar and DOTS centers under this hospital, New Delhi, from 7th October, 2014 to 15th October, 2014. Purposive sampling technique was employed to interview 100 subjects. Data gathered was analyzed and interpreted according to the objectives, using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study showed that majority of the subjects (60%) belonged to the age group of 15–34 years and 60% subjects were males. 71% subjects had moderate risk factor and the greatest potential risks experienced by subjects were in substance use. 67% subjects led average quality of life. There was a significant relationship between socioeconomic status and risk status of patients with relapse pulmonary tuberculosis. The study concluded that substance users have greatest potential risk and socioeconomic status has a considerable impact on relapse pulmonary tuberculosis. Even during relapse pulmonary tuberculosis, subjects experienced average quality of life. Today, there is an increasing need for quality and holistic care in patients with relapse pulmonary tuberculosis; hence they should be sensitized about controlling potential risk factors and improving their quality of life.