Original research

Impact of post-tuberculosis lung disease on health-related quality of life in patients from two tertiary hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria

O Ozoh, O Ojo, M Dania, S Dede, O Adegboyega, N Irurhe, M Olowoyeye, O Adeyeye

Abstract


Background. Post-tuberculosis (TB) lung disease is a recognised cause of chronic respiratory disease, and its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has not been extensively described.

Objective. To describe the clinical profile, spirometry impairment and impact of post-TB lung disease on HRQoL among patients attending two tertiary hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study and obtained data through interviews, chart reviews and physical examination. We measured dyspnoea severity using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, HRQoL with the St George’s respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) and performed spirometry. Univariate regression was used to explore the associations between selected variables and HRQoL.

Results. A total of 59 participants were recruited and their median (interquartile range (IQR)) age was 45 (36 - 60) years. The most frequent symptom was cough (93.2%; n=55) and sputum production (91.5%; n=54). Less than two-thirds of the participants (62.4%; n=38) had received treatment for TB on more than one occasion, 50.8% (n=30) had moderate to very severe dyspnoea on the MRC scale and 88.7% (n=47/53) had abnormal spirometry with the mixed pattern predominating in 56.6% (n=30) of the participants. The mean (standard deviation (SD)) SGRQ component score for symptoms was 43.89 (18.66), followed by activity (42.50 (22.68)), impact (29.41 (17.82)) and total components (35.78 (17.25)). Dyspnoea, cough, sputum production and weight loss were associated with worsened HRQoL.

Conclusion. Post-TB lung disease was characterised by a high symptom burden, severe spirometry impairment and poor HRQoL. There is a need for increased recognition and development of guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of post-TB lung disease and for further studies to explore preventive strategies. Keywords. tuberculosis; post-TB; TB sequelae; health-related quality of life; chronic respiratory diseases.


Authors' affiliations

O Ozoh, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

O Ojo, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Lagos State University, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

M Dania, Department of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

S Dede, Department of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

O Adegboyega, Department of Radiodiagnosis, College of Medicine, Lagos State University, Nigeria; Department of Radiodiagnosis, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

N Irurhe, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria; Department of Radiodiagnosis, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria

M Olowoyeye, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria; Department of Radiodiagnosis, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria

O Adeyeye, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Lagos State University, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Full Text:

PDF (207KB)

Cite this article

African Journal of Thoracic and Critical Care Medicine 2021;27(2):47-53. DOI:10.7196/AJTCCM.2021.v27i2.135

Article History

Date submitted: 2021-06-22
Date published: 2021-06-23

Article Views

Abstract views: 756
Full text views: 356

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.



African Journal of Thoracic and Critical Care Medicine| Online ISSN: 2617-0205

This journal is protected by a Creative Commons Attribution - NonCommercial Works License (CC BY-NC 4.0) | Read our privacy policy.

Our Journals: South African Medical Journal | African Journal of Health Professions Education | South African Journal of Bioethics and Law | South African Journal of Child Health | Southern African Journal of Critical Care | African Journal of Thoracic and Critical Care MedicineSouth African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology |