Addressing the tuberculosis-depression syndemic to end the tuberculosis epidemic

Mental illness and pulmonary tuberculosis: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Background

Observational studies have confirmed that mental illness and pulmonary tuberculosis are closely related and increase each other's incidence; however, whether there is a causal genetic association between the two diseases remains unknown. We attempted to answer this question using bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) in a large cohort study.

Method

We performed a bidirectional MR analysis between mental illness (major depressive, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia) and pulmonary tuberculosis using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies in European individuals. The inverse-variance weighted method was used as the primary analytical method to assess causality. In addition, other additional MR methods (weighted median, MR-Egger, and weighted mode) were used to supplement the inverse-variance weighted results. Furthermore, several sensitivity analyses were performed to assess heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and stability.

Result

We identified no causal genetic association between mental illness and pulmonary tuberculosis after applying the inverse variance weighted method (major depressive: odds ratio (OR) = 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.59-1.71, P = 0.98; anxiety disorder: OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 0.05-67.67, P = 0.76; bipolar disorder OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.66-1.22, P = 0.48; and schizophrenia: OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.91-1.20, P = 0.51). Similarly, pulmonary tuberculosis was not caustically associated with mental illness (major depressive: OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00-1.02, P = 0.17; anxiety disorder: OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.99-1.01, P = 0.06; bipolar disorder: OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.98-1.07, P = 0.38; and schizophrenia: OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.97-1.05, P = 0.66).

Conclusion

Our research does not support a bidirectional causal association between the aforementioned mental illnesses and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Exploring Sex Differences in Risk Factors and Quality of Life Among Tuberculosis Patients in Herat, Afghanistan: A Case-Control Study

Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health concern in Afghanistan, with a high burden of disease in the western province of Herat. This study explored the risk factors of TB and TB's impact on the quality of life of patients in Herat. Methods: A total of 422 TB patients and 514 controls were recruited at Herat Regional Hospital and relevant TB laboratories between October 2020 and February 2021. Data was collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire and the SF-36 questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Multivariate General Linear Model, and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that male sex (p = 0.023), chronic disease (p = 0.038), lower education levels (p < 0.001), and worse health status (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher odds of TB infection. The study also found that TB patients had significantly lower quality of life scores in almost all components (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study provides important insights into the specific ways in which TB affects the wellbeing of patients in Afghanistan. The findings highlight the importance of addressing the psychological and social dimensions of TB.

Mental health issues associated with the management of tuberculosis in Homabay, Busia and Kakamega Counties, Kenya

BACKGROUND

Despite the implementation of patient-centred care, mental health issues remain a significant risk factor and comorbidity for Tuberculosis (TB) disease. Mental health issues being co-morbidities to TB are likely to increase the disease burden of the affected population. This study therefore investigated the prevalence and impact of mental health issues in Tuberculosis (TB) patients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study design used mixed methods in data collection. The study used structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. 127 TB patients were purposively selected from a group of patients who previously recovered successfully, with a history of relapse or are currently on TB treatment in high-volume facilities in Homa Bay, Busia and Kakamega Counties. 30 Key informant interviews were conducted with Healthcare workers. Quantitative data analysis was done using STATA version 14. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data using NVivo version 10.

RESULTS

The findings showed that the most common mental health issues affecting TB patients were anxiety (66%) and depression (55%), which were commonly experienced during the presumptive stage of TB. Qualitative data revealed that stigma was the main barrier that hindered TB patients from accessing care. TB patients articulated the benefits of support structures ranging from positive encouragement, reminders on taking drugs, accompaniment to the clinic, and financial support in TB management. Furthermore, the study established that the majority of Health Care Workers (HCWs) were not prepared to handle TB patients' mental issues, a gap that is likely to impact the quality of care TB patients receive.

CONCLUSION

The study established that mental health issues impact TB treatment outcomes. Healthcare systems should prioritize the integration of mental health care into TB programs to address the high prevalence of mental health issues among TB patients.

Programmatic implementation of depression screening and remote mental health support sessions for persons recently diagnosed with TB in Lima, Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

Few studies have explored a stepped care model for delivering mental health care to persons with tuberculosis (TB). Here, we evaluated depression screening and remote low-intensity mental health interventions for persons initiating TB treatment in Lima, Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We used the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) to screen participants for depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 5). Participants with PHQ-9, 5-14 received remote Psychological First Aid (PFA) or Problem Management Plus (PM+). Participants were reevaluated 6 months after intervention completion. We then compared the change in median PHQ-9 scores before and after intervention completion. Those with PHQ-9 ≥ 15 were referred to higher-level care.

Findings

We found that 62 (45.9%) of the 135 participants had PHQ-9 ≥ 5 at baseline. Then, 54 individuals with PHQ-9, 5-9 received PFA, of which 44 (81.5%) were reevaluated. We observed significant reductions in median PHQ-9 scores from 6 to 2 (r = 0.98; p < 0.001). Four participants with PHQ-9, 10-14 received PM+ but were unable to be reevaluated. Four participants with PHQ-9 ≥ 15 were referred to higher-level care.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms were common among persons recently diagnosed with TB. We observed improvements in depressive symptoms 6 months later for most participants who received remote sessions of PFA.

The epidemiology, transmission, diagnosis, and management of drug-resistant tuberculosis-lessons from the South African experience

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) threatens to derail tuberculosis control efforts, particularly in Africa where the disease remains out of control. The dogma that DR-TB epidemics are fueled by unchecked rates of acquired resistance in inadequately treated or non-adherent individuals is no longer valid in most high DR-TB burden settings, where community transmission is now widespread. A large burden of DR-TB in Africa remains undiagnosed due to inadequate access to diagnostic tools that simultaneously detect tuberculosis and screen for resistance. Furthermore, acquisition of drug resistance to new and repurposed drugs, for which diagnostic solutions are not yet available, presents a major challenge for the implementation of novel, all-oral, shortened (6-9 months) treatment. Structural challenges including poverty, stigma, and social distress disrupt engagement in care, promote poor treatment outcomes, and reduce the quality of life for people with DR-TB. We reflect on the lessons learnt from the South African experience in implementing state-of-the-art advances in diagnostic solutions, deploying recent innovations in pharmacotherapeutic approaches for rapid cure, understanding local transmission dynamics and implementing interventions to curtail DR-TB transmission, and in mitigating the catastrophic socioeconomic costs of DR-TB. We also highlight globally relevant and locally responsive research priorities for achieving DR-TB control in South Africa.

Towards integrated mental health services in low-income and middle-income countries: organisation of primary healthcare providers - a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Mental health conditions constitute a significant percentage of the global burden of disease. A shortfall of mental health specialists and a lack of integration of services in primary care in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) contribute towards a mental health treatment gap in excess of 70%. Organising and equipping non-specialist healthcare workers is, therefore, an important strategy for improving access to mental health services in LMICs. This scoping review aims to map literature that addresses the organisation of and support provided to health teams in primary care settings within the context of integrated mental healthcare and as it relates to detection, treatment and referral of mental health conditions. The review will be guided by the 'Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions' framework.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This review protocol will employ the methodological framework first developed by Arksey and O'Malley and later advanced by others and will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews guidelines. This process will entail identifying the research questions, locating relevant literature, choosing eligible reports and studies, extracting the data and summarising the results in English-language studies and reports from 2008 to 2023 will be sourced from PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycARTICLES, Scopus, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete and the WHO website. A two-stage screening of titles and abstracts, followed by full-text literature will be done in duplicate with blinded authors. Data extraction will be based on predefined fields.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

All literature accessed for this scoping review is in the public domain and thus, no approval from an ethics review board is required. The findings of the scoping review report will inform future mental health research in LMIC and will be disseminated to relevant stakeholders and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Anxiety and depression level of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in two hospitals in Banten province, Indonesia

Purpose

Anxiety and depression can be found in patients diagnosed with multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB). The purpose of this research is to measure the level of anxiety and depression in new patients with MDR-TB.

Methods

One hundred two new patients newly diagnosed with MDR TB in two hospitals in Banten province, Indonesia, are measured for depression and anxiety symptoms. The measurements used the Indonesian language version of the Zung Anxiety Self-Assessment Scale Questionnaire and the Indonesian version of Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale Questionnaire for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients that have been validated. The results include the demographic data presented descriptively as tables and charts.

Results

The mean age of the patients is 39,57+12,48 years. The monthly income of the patients is 54,9% low and 45,1% medium with no high income. Male is 61,8%, and 38,2% are female. The mean score of the anxiety index is 57,32+10,23. The mean score of the depression index is 55,02+12,36. The percentage of patients with no anxiety is 13,7%, minimal to moderate anxiety 46,1%, marked to severe anxiety 33,3%, and most extreme anxiety 6,9%.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of patients newly diagnosed with MDR-TB experience anxiety and depression.

The prevalence and outcomes of depression in older HIV-positive adults in Northern Tanzania: a longitudinal study

Studies of depression and its outcomes in older people living with HIV (PLWH) are currently lacking in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in PLWH aged ≥ 50 years in Tanzania focussing on prevalence and 2-year outcomes of depression. PLWH aged ≥ 50 were systematically recruited from an outpatient clinic and assessed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Neurological and functional impairment was assessed at year 2 follow-up. At baseline, 253 PLWH were recruited (72.3% female, median age 57, 95.5% on cART). DSM-IV depression was highly prevalent (20.9%), whereas other DSM-IV psychiatric disorders were uncommon. At follow-up (n = 162), incident cases of DSM-IV depression decreased from14.2 to 11.1% (χ2: 2.48, p = 0.29); this decline was not significant. Baseline depression was associated with increased functional and neurological impairment. At follow-up, depression was associated with negative life events (p = 0.001), neurological impairment (p < 0.001), and increased functional impairment (p = 0.018), but not with HIV and sociodemographic factors. In this setting, depression appears highly prevalent and associated with poorer neurological and functional outcomes and negative life events. Depression may be a future intervention target.

Barriers and facilitators to integrating depression care in tuberculosis services in South Asia: a multi-country qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Depression is common among people with tuberculosis (TB). The condition is typically unrecognised or untreated despite available and effective treatments in most low- and middle-income countries. TB services in these countries are relatively well established, offering a potential opportunity to deliver integrated depression screening and care. However, there is limited evidence on how such integration could be achieved. This study aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators to integrate depression care in TB services.

METHODS

We conducted nine workshops with 76 study participants, including people with TB, their carers, and health service providers in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, seeking views on integrating depression care into TB clinics. We used a deductive thematic approach to analyse the translated transcripts of audio recordings, contemporaneous notes made during workshops for Bangladesh and India and workshop reports for Pakistan. Using the SURE (Supporting the Use of Research Evidence) thematic framework, we extracted and categorised barriers and facilitators into various domains.

RESULTS

Reported barriers to integrating depression care in TB services included lack of knowledge about depression amongst patients and the staff, financial burden, and associated stigma for people with TB and their carers. Government buy-in and understanding of how to identify and screen for depression screening were potential facilitators reported. Additionally, breaking through mental health stigma and providing the additional resources required to deliver this service (human resources and consultation time) were essential for integrating depression and TB care.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression is a common condition found among people with TB, requiring early identification among people with TB. Integrating depression care into Tb services by health workers requires the availability of political support and the provision of resources.

Depressive symptoms and their association with age, chronic conditions and health status among middle-aged and elderly people in peri-urban Tanzania

Background

Depression is a global mental health challenge. We assessed the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their association with age, chronic conditions, and health status among middle-aged and elderly people in peri-urban Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

Depressive symptoms were measured in 2,220 adults aged over 40 years from two wards of Dar es Salaam using the ten-item version of the Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) and a cut-off score of 10 or higher. The associations of depressive symptoms with age, 13 common chronic conditions, multimorbidity, self-rated health and any limitation in six activities of daily living were examined in univariable and multivariable logistic regressions.

Results

The estimated prevalence of depressive symptoms was 30.7% (95% CI 28.5-32.9). In univariable regressions, belonging to age groups 45-49 years (OR 1.35 [95% CI 1.04-1.75]) and over 70 years (OR 2.35 [95% CI 1.66-3.33]), chronic conditions, including ischemic heart disease (OR 3.43 [95% CI 2.64-4.46]), tuberculosis (OR 2.42 [95% CI 1.64-3.57]), signs of cognitive problems (OR 1.90 [95% CI 1.35-2.67]), stroke (OR 1.56 [95% CI 1.05-2.32]) and anemia (OR 1.32 [95% CI 1.01-1.71]) and limitations in activities of daily living (OR 1.35 [95% CI 1.07-1.70]) increased the odds of depressive symptoms. Reporting good or very good health was associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms (OR 0.48 [95% CI 0.35-0.66]). Ischemic heart disease and tuberculosis remained independent predictors of depressive symptoms in multivariable regressions.

Conclusion

Depressive symptoms affected almost one in three people aged over 40 years. Their prevalence differed across age groups and was moderated by chronic conditions, health status and socioeconomic factors.

Depressive symptoms and HIV risk behaviours among adolescents enrolled in the HPTN071 (PopART) trial in Zambia and South Africa

BACKGROUND

Mental health is a critical and neglected public health problem for adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. In this paper we aim to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and the association with HIV risk behaviours in adolescents aged 15-19 years in Zambia and SA.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey from August-November 2017 in seven control communities of HPTN 071 (PopART) trial (a community-randomised trial of universal HIV testing and treatment), enrolling approximately 1400 eligible adolescents. HIV-status was self-reported. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ), with a positive screen if adolescents scored ≥12. We fitted a logistic regression model to identify correlates of depressive symptoms with subgroup analyses among those who self-reported ever having had sex, by gender and country.

RESULTS

Out of 6997 households approached, 6057 (86.6%) were enumerated. 2546 adolescents were enumerated of whom 2120 (83.3%) consented to participate and were administered the SMFQ. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 584/2120 (27.6%) [95%CI: 25.7%-29.5%]. Adolescents in SA were less likely to experience depressive symptoms (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 0.63 (95% CI: 0.50, 0.79), p-value<0.0001). Female adolescents (AOR = 1.46 (95% CI: 1.19, 1.81), p-value<0.0001); those who reported ever having sex and being forced into sex (AOR = 1.80 (95% CI: 1.45, 2.23), p-value<0.001) and AOR = 1.67 (95% CI: 0.99, 2.84); p-value = 0.057 respectively) were more likely to experience depressive symptoms. Among 850 (40.1%) adolescents who self-reported to ever having had sex; those who used alcohol/drugs during their last sexual encounter were more likely to experience depressive symptoms (AOR = 2.18 (95% CI: 1.37, 3.47); p-value = 0.001), whereas those who reported using a condom were less likely to experience depressive symptoms (AOR = 0.74 (95% CI: 0.55, 1.00); p-value = 0.053).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of depressive symptoms among adolescents ranged from 25-30% and was associated with increased HIV-risk behaviour.

Prevalence of Tuberculosis and Mental Disorders Comorbidity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Persons with tuberculosis (TB) also often have a mental disorder (MD). We examined TB-MD comorbidity prevalence and its impact on TB treatment outcomes as reported in studies set in the United States or in the top five countries of origin (Mexico, the Philippines, India, Vietnam, and China) for non-US-born persons with TB. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, OVID, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus for articles published from database inception through September 2018. Of the 9 studies analyzed, one was set in the United States. The estimated pooled prevalence of comorbid TB-MD from eight non-US studies, with 2921 participants, was 34.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 21.1%-49.5%]. Comorbid TB-MD prevalence varied by country in the studies evaluated. Additional research might elucidate the extent of TB-MD in the United States and the top five countries of origin.

Comorbidity of mental ill-health in tuberculosis patients under treatment in a rural province of South Africa: a cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES

Tuberculosis (TB) remains prevalent despite the availability of effective anti-TB medications, and accumulating evidence suggests a high rate of mental disorders in people with TB. This is because TB and psychiatric disorders share several risk factors, such as poverty, homelessness and substance use disorder. Moreover, psychiatric comorbidities in patients with TB are associated with poor treatment outcomes. This study explored the psychiatric comorbidity and clinical correlates in individuals receiving TB treatment.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey over 10 months.

SETTING

Two primary care clinics at King Sabata Dalindyebo district, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

PARTICIPANT

Patients receiving TB treatment in the two clinics.

INTERVENTION

The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to screen for psychiatric disorders.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Rates of mental disorders in patients with TB over a 10-month period. Variation in rates by sex, employment status and HIV comorbidity.

RESULTS

In a sample of 197 participants, most patients were men (62%) and screened positive for a mental disorder (82%) with anxiety (48%), depression (38%) and substance use disorders (43%) being the most common psychiatric conditions. On average, individuals had 4 (SD 2) mental disorders. Females had higher rates of depression (p=0.005) and non-adherence to TB treatment (p=0.003), and alcohol use disorder was more common in males (p<0.001) and in those non-adherent to TB treatment. Additionally, low education levels and unemployment were associated with depressive and anxiety disorders (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Mental disorders are common in patients with TB, and mental health services need to be integrated into the management of patients with TB. Factors linked to mental disorders in this cohort, such as low education, gender and unemployment, may be useful for compiling a risk profile to help identify those with TB who may require more intensive support for their mental health.

Qualitative study of patient experiences of mental distress during TB investigation and treatment in Zambia

Background

The mental health and TB syndemic is a topic that remains under-researched with a significant gap in acknowledging and recognizing patient experiences, particularly in the sub-Saharan African region. In this qualitative study conducted in Zambia, we aimed to explore the lived mental health experiences of TB patients focusing on their multi-layered drivers of distress, and by so doing highlighting contextual factors that influence mental distress in TB patients in this setting.

Methods

The study draws on qualitative data collected in 2018 as part of the Tuberculosis Reduction through Expanded Antiretroviral Treatment and Screening for active TB trial (TREATS) being conducted in Zambia. The data was collected through in-depth interviews with former TB patients (n = 80) from 8 urban communities participating in the TREATS trial. Thematic analysis was conducted. Additional quantitative exploratory analysis mapping mental distress symptoms on demographic, social, economic and TB characteristics of participants was conducted.

Results

Most participants (76%) shared that they had experienced some form of mental distress during their TB investigation and treatment period. The reported symptoms ranged in severity. Some participants reported mild distress that did not disrupt their daily lives or ability to adhere to their TB medication, while other participants reported more severe symptoms of distress, for example, 15% of participants shared that they had suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm during their time on treatment. Mental distress was driven by unique interactions between individual, social and health level factors most of which were inextricably linked to poverty. Mental distress caused by individual level drivers such as TB morbidity often abated once participants started feeling better, however social, economic and health system level drivers of distress persisted during and beyond TB treatment.

Conclusion

The findings illustrate that mental distress during TB is driven by multi-layered and intersecting stresses, with the economic stress of poverty often being the most powerful driver. Measures are urgently needed to support TB patients during the investigation and treatment phase, including increased availability of mental health services, better social security safety nets during TB treatment, and interventions targeting TB, HIV and mental health stigma.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03739736. Trial registration date: November 14, 2018.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-022-00881-x.

Conceptualization, detection, and management of psychological distress and mental health conditions among people with tuberculosis in Zambia: a qualitative study with stakeholders' and TB health workers

BACKGROUND

In recent years, there has been increased recognition of the need to integrate mental health services into routine tuberculosis (TB) care. For successful integration, policymakers need to first understand the practices of TB health workers in the management of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and psychological distress, and use this to decide how best mental health services could be delivered in tandem with TB services. In this qualitative study we aimed to understand how TB health workers and other stakeholders viewed mental health conditions linked to TB and how they screened and treated these in their patients.

METHODS

The study draws on qualitative data collected in 2018 as part of the Tuberculosis Reduction through Expanded Antiretroviral Treatment and Screening for active TB trial (TREATS), conducted in eight urban communities in Zambia. Data were collected through 17 focus group discussions with local health committee members (n = 96) and TB stakeholders (n = 57) present in the communities. Further in-depth interviews were held with key TB health workers (n = 9). Thematic analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

TB stakeholders and health workers had an inadequate understanding of mental health and commonly described mental health conditions among TB patients by using stigmatizing terminology and overtones, for example "madness", which often implied a characterological flaw rather an actual illness. Psychological distress was also described as "overthinking", which participants attributed to psychosocial stressors, and was not perceived as a condition that would benefit from mental health intervention. There were no standard screening and treatment options for mental health conditions in TB patients and most TB health workers had no mental health training. TB Stakeholders and health workers understood the negative implications of mental health conditions on TB treatment adherence and overall wellbeing for TB patients.

CONCLUSIONS

TB stakeholders and health workers in Zambia have a complex conceptualisation of mental health and illness, that does not support the mental health needs of TB patients. The integration of mental health training in TB services could be beneficial and shift negative attitudes about mental health. Further, TB patients should be screened for mental health conditions and offered treatment. Trial registration number NCT03739736-Registered on the 14th of November 2018- Retrospectively registered- https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=NCT03739736&cntry=&state=&city=&dist.

Social Support and Depression Among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Anhui, China

Introduction

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis affecting multiple tissues and organs. It is one of the leading causes of death and is a social disease in China. Increasing studies have revealed that the state of mental health and the social support are associated with the morbidity, mortality and community transmission of pulmonary TB patients. However, the previous global TB control and research strategy focused almost solely on the biomedical aspects. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the level of depression and explored potential factors, including social support domains and socio-demographic characteristics in pulmonary TB patients to research the mental health state and the association between social support and pulmonary TB, ultimately implementing a multilevel intervene.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out to describe the status of depression and social support, and explore related factors associated with depression among pulmonary TB patients in Anhui Province, China. Five counties (districts) in Anhui Province, China were selected by simple random sampling method. Patients diagnosed with pulmonary TB eligible to the study criteria were investigated. A structured questionnaire composed of information on socio-demographic characteristics, self-rating depression scale (SDS) and social support rating scale (SSRS) was used to collect the data.

Results

In this study, a total of 250 questionnaires were issued, and the effective questionnaires 237 were actually returned. Of the 237 patients with pulmonary TB, 71.3% of them were male and the mean age was 46.16 years (SD = 13.09). Depression symptoms were observed in 125 (52.7%) participants. Objective support (β = −0.192, P=0.002) and subjective support (β = −0.158, P = 0.015) had significantly negative effects on depression, while the effect of support utilization was not statistically significant. In contrast, being female (β = 0.119, P = 0.036) and patients with positive sputum smear results (β = 0.140, P = 0.014) were positively related to depression. Patients with monthly income between 500 and 999 were less likely to suffer from depression (β = −0.134, P = 0.024) than those who were poorer. Additionally, both education level and marital status were found to be correlated with social support and depression state (all P<0.05).

Discussion

In summary, the prevalence of depressive symptoms in pulmonary TB patients were high in Anhui Province, China. Low levels of social support can be an important predictor of depression symptoms. Therefore, screening for depression among pulmonary TB patients in the primary care setting is greatly warranted. Furthermore, psychological interventions should focus on providing available and adequate social support in order to improve mental health of them.

Psychiatric comorbidities among patients with complex drug-resistant tuberculosis in Mumbai, India

BACKGROUND

People with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) are known to suffer from many mental-health disorders. This study aims to describe the proportion of patients diagnosed with psychiatric comorbidities, the different psychiatric diagnoses made, and treatment outcomes among DR-TB patients with or without psychiatric comorbidity and initiated on DR-TB treatment between January 2012 and March 2019 at Médecins Sans Frontières independent clinic in Mumbai, India.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study using routinely collected clinical data. DR-TB care included individualised treatment, psychosocial support, and integrated psychiatric care.

RESULTS

During the study period, 341 DR-TB patients were enrolled, with a median age of 25 years (IQR:20.0-36.5 years), 185 (54.2%) females, 143 (41.9%) with PreXDR-TB, and 140 (41.0%) with XDR-TB. All 341 patients were screened by a counsellor, 119 (34.9%) were referred for psychiatric evaluation, and 102 (29.9% of 341) were diagnosed with a psychiatric comorbidity. Among 102 diagnosed with a psychiatric comorbidity, 48 (47.0%) were diagnosed at baseline, and 86 (84.3%), or 25.2% of all 341 patients enrolled, were treated with psychotropic drugs. Depressive disorders were diagnosed in 49 (48.0%), mixed anxiety and depression in 24 (23.5%), neurocognitive disorders and anxiety in five (4.9%), and medication induced psychosis in two (2.0%). No anti-TB drugs were significantly associated with psychiatric comorbidities developed during treatment. Of 102 DR-TB patients with a psychiatric comorbidity, 75.5% (77) had successful DR-TB treatment outcomes, compared to 61.1% (146/239) not diagnosed with a psychiatric comorbidity (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

In our setting, among people started on DR-TB treatment, and with a complex TB resistance profile, about one in three patients experienced a psychiatric comorbidity, of which half developed this comorbidity during treatment. With comprehensive psychiatric care integrated into DR-TB care delivery, treatment outcomes were at least as good among those with psychiatric comorbidities compared to those without such comorbidities.

The relationship between mental health and risk of active tuberculosis: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Tuberculosis (TB) and mental illnesses are highly prevalent globally and often coexist. While poor mental health is known to modulate immune function, whether mental disorders play a causal role in TB incidence is unknown. This systematic review examines the association between mental health and TB disease risk to inform clinical and public health measures.

DESIGN

Systematic review, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

SEARCH STRATEGY AND SELECTION CRITERIA

MEDLINE, PsycINFO and PsycEXTRA databases were searched alongside reference list and citation searching. Inclusion criteria were original research studies published 1 January 1970-11 May 2020 reporting data on the association between mental health and TB risk.

DATA EXTRACTION, APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS

Data were extracted on study design and setting, sample characteristics, measurement of mental illness and TB, and outcomes including effect size or prevalence. Studies were critically appraised using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) checklists.

RESULTS

1546 records published over 50 years were screened, resulting in 10 studies included reporting data from 607 184 individuals. Studies span across Asia, South America and Africa, and include mood and psychotic disorders. There is robust evidence from cohort studies in Asia demonstrating that depression and schizophrenia can increase risk of active TB, with effect estimates ranging from HR=1.15 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.28) to 2.63 (95% CI 1.74 to 3.96) for depression and HR=1.52 (95% CI 1.29 to 1.79) to RR=3.04 for schizophrenia. These data align with evidence from cross-sectional studies, for example, a large survey across low-income and middle-income countries (n=242 952) reports OR=3.68 (95% CI 3.01 to 4.50) for a depressive episode in those with TB symptoms versus those without.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with mental illnesses including depression and schizophrenia experience increased TB incidence and represent a high-risk population to target for screening and treatment. Integrated care for mental health and TB is needed, and interventions tackling mental illnesses and underlying drivers may help reduce TB incidence globally.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019158071.

Magnitude of Depression and Associated Factors Among Patients on Tuberculosis Treatment at Public Health Facilities in Harari Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia: Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Depression among tuberculosis patients remains a significant public health concern. Its burden and severity is increasing in low-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Although it has negative impacts on quality of life, depression among tuberculosis patients is rarely studied in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the magnitude of depression and associated factors among tuberculosis patients in Eastern Ethiopia.

METHODS

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 15 to May 15, 2021, among 213 tuberculosis patients in public health facilities of the Harari Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia. Study participants were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Depression was assessed using Patients Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Epi-data and SPSS were used for data processing and analysis. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regressions were employed to determine the effects of predictors on depression. Statistical significance was considered at a p-value <0.05.

RESULTS

The magnitude of depression among tuberculosis patients was 52.1% [95% CI (45.4, 58.8%)]. Patient's age of 25-34 years [AOR = 0.31, 95% CI (0.128, 0.75)], female sex [AOR = 5.04; 95% CI (2.18, 11.62)], intensive phase of tuberculosis treatment [AOR = 2.56; 95% CI (1.118, 5.876)], HIV-positive status [AOR = 7.143; 95% CI (1.55, 32.93)], smoking history [AOR = 9.08; 95% CI (3.35, 24.61)] and having poor social support [AOR = 4.13; 95% CI (1.29, 13.22)] were factors statistically associated with depression.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the magnitude of depression was relatively high as more than half of the participants had depression. Advanced age, female sex, intensive phase of tuberculosis treatment, HIV-positive status, smoking history, and poor social support were identified as associated factors with depression. Therefore, this result calls all stakeholders to give duly emphasis on incorporating and integrating mental health support programs as routine practice in tuberculosis follow-up clinics, as screening, early detection and treatment, and training for all health care providers are very crucial in tackling depression among tuberculosis patients.

Tuberculosis and comorbidities: treatment challenges in patients with comorbid diabetes mellitus and depression

Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, primarily affecting low- and middle income countries and individuals with limited-resources within fractured health care systems. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has only served to aggravate the already existing diagnostic gap, decreasing the number of people who get diagnosed and thereby complete successful treatment. In addition to this, comorbidities act as an external component that when added to the TB management equation, renders it even more complex. Among the various comorbidities that interact with TB disease, diabetes mellitus and depression are two of the most prevalent among non-communicable diseases within the TB population and merits a thoughtful consideration when the healthcare system provides care for them. TB patients with diabetes mellitus (TB-DM) or depression both have an increased risk of mortality, relapse and recurrence. Both of these diseases when in presence of TB present a ‘vicious-circle-like’ mechanism, meaning that the effect of each disease can negatively add up, in a synergistic manner, complicating the patient’s health state. Among TB-DM patients, high glucose blood levels can decrease the effectiveness of anti-tuberculosis drugs; however, higher doses of anti-tuberculous drugs could potentially decrease the effects of DM drugs. Among the TB-depression patients, not only do we have the adherence to treatment problems, but depression itself can biologically shift the immunological profile responsible for TB containment, and the other way around, TB itself can alter the hormonal balance of several neurotransmitters responsible for depression. In this paper, we review these and other important aspects such as the pharmacological interactions found in the treatment of TB-DM and TB-depression patients and the implication on TB care and pharmacological considerations.

The Impact of Tuberculosis on the Well-Being of Adolescents and Young Adults

The health needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) have been neglected in tuberculosis (TB) care, control, and research. AYAs, who are distinct from younger children and older adults, undergo dynamic physical, psychological, emotional, cognitive, and social development. Five domains of adolescent well-being are crucial to a successful transition between childhood and adulthood: (1) Good health; (2) connectedness and contribution to society; (3) safety and a supportive environment; (4) learning, competence, education, skills, and employability; and (5) agency and resilience. This review summarizes the evidence of the impact of TB disease and treatment on these five domains of AYA well-being.

Mental health care in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: An analysis of needs and a call for greater investment

Over the past decade, there has been increased attention to global mental health, which emphasizes improving access to quality mental health care in order to reduce the worldwide treatment gap. However, Eastern European and Central Asian countries and their specific mental health needs have largely been under-emphasized, evidenced by a dearth in literature and funding. Here, we provide an overview of the mental health needs in Ukraine and its challenges with quality care provision as a key example in highlighting these gaps, then broaden our discussion to include parallels with other countries in the Eastern European and Central Asian region. We describe the unique strengths relative to mental health care provision that are present in Eastern Europe and Central Asia and suggest the importance of post-graduate training, regional collaboration, and capacity building specific to research management as strategies to address the current challenges. We stress that greater investment from funders, government, and the global mental health community are needed to improve the current mental health situation in Ukraine, specifically, and Eastern Europe and Central Asia, broadly. We argue that greater attention to Eastern Europe and Central Asia is needed to fully advance the agenda of the global mental health field.

Adaptation and validation of the Van Rie tuberculosis stigma scale in Vietnam

OBJECTIVES

Tuberculosis (TB) stigma contributes to diagnostic delay, disease concealment, and reduced wellbeing for affected individuals. Despite the availability of several TB stigma scales, most high-TB burden countries do not have a culturally validated version available. This study evaluated the Van Rie TB stigma scale (VTSS) among people with TB in Vietnam.

METHODS

This study consisted of two phases. In phase 1, the VTSS was culturally and linguistically adapted to the Vietnamese context. In phase 2, people with TB were invited to complete a survey containing the VTSS, a depression scale, and a quality of life scale. The data analysis included confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), exploratory factor analysis (EFA), construct validity, and floor or ceiling effects.

RESULTS

In phase 1, items were reworded from the third person to the first person. The TB/HIV co-infection items (items 7 and 11) were the least relevant for people with TB (62% and 73% relevance, respectively). In phase 2, the CFA demonstrated adequate goodness-of-fit indices (GFI = 0.88, CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.058); however several of the item factor loadings were low. The EFA demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0.85) and revealed one dominant factor. Construct validity was low.

CONCLUSIONS

The VTSS demonstrated good psychometric properties in Vietnam. Depending on the purpose of the scale, the HIV co-infection items and item 10 could be considered for removal.

Addressing tuberculosis through complex community-based socioeconomic interventions in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic realist review

The established relationship between poverty and tuberculosis has led to the implementation of complex socioeconomic interventions to address poverty as both a risk factor for and consequence of tuberculosis. However, limited research to date has examined the conditions that facilitate the successful implementation of these interventions. We conducted a systematic realist review to examine how complex socioeconomic interventions for tuberculosis treatment and care were defined, implemented, and evaluated in low- and middle-income countries. We used a systematic search to identify published work that implemented complex socioeconomic interventions for tuberculosis, followed by a realist analysis informed by existing programme theories. From a total of 2825 collected records, 36 peer-reviewed articles and 17 grey literature reports were included in this review. The realist analysis identified three main contexts (sociopolitical and cultural; relational and interpersonal; operational and administrative) and ten mechanisms that facilitated successful implementation of interventions. Overall, this review highlights the importance of political commitment in shaping sustainable programme delivery, the role of healthcare and community-based provider training in creating patient-centred treatment environments, and the opportunity to leverage operational research for evidence-based decision making to address the socioeconomic needs of tuberculosis patients experiencing poverty.

'TB is a disease which hides in the body': Qualitative data on conceptualisations of tuberculosis recurrence among patients in Zambia and South Africa

The WHO estimates 58 million people experienced one or more TB disease episodes between 2000 and 2018. These 'former TB patients' are at greater risk of future TB infection and death than TB naïve people. Additionally, former TB patients experience social, psychological, and physiological difficulties after microbiological cure. Drawing on semi-structured interviews collected with 28 people from communities in Zambia (n = 8) and South Africa (n = 2) between October 2018 and March 2019, we describe their perceptions of having two or more TB episodes. Utilising a discursive analytic approach, we interrogated how participants conceptualise their risk of disease recurrence. Despite being surprised by subsequent TB episodes, participants utilised their bodily experiences of TB signs and symptoms alongside their experiential knowledge of health systems processes to procure timely diagnosis and care. Yet, many participants were unable to resume social and economic participation. Experiences of multiple TB episodes and correlating social, economic, and physiological vulnerabilities, challenged participants biomedical understanding of TBs curability. Through notions of dirt and 'staining', participants conceptualise TB as a sinister, malicious presence they are bound to encounter time and again. Health providers should discuss the risk of TB recurrence with patients and promote prevention, early detection, and diagnosis of TB disease.

Depression and its associated factors among people with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Myanmar

BACKGROUND

Depression is an important potential comorbidity in persons with tuberculosis (TB), yet data in many settings are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence and risk factors of depression in persons with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Myanmar.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey among MDR-TB participants at Aung San MDR-TB treatment centre in Yangon during routine clinic follow-up visits. Patients Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in the local language was used to screen for depression and structured questionnaires conducted. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to identify associations.

RESULTS

Three-hundred and twenty-nine participants were enrolled between 19th December 2019 and 31st January 2020; 33% (111/329) in the intensive treatment phase. The prevalence of depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) was (34/329) 10.33%. Multivariable analysis indicated financial hardship as a result of MDR-TB symptoms/treatment (aOR = 2.63, 95%CI: 1.12-6.67), suffering ≥1 respiratory symptoms (aOR = 6.72, 95%CI: 2.41-18.76), high education level (aOR = 4.26, 95%CI: 1.70-10.70), reported diabetes (aOR = 3.05, 95%CI: 1.16-7.99) as associated with depressive symptoms, with weak evidence of an association in females (aOR = 2.09, 95%CI: 0.94-4.65).

CONCLUSION

Depressive symptoms are more common in those with comorbidities/TB symptoms. Further research is required to determine the effects of interventions to support persons with depressive symptoms identified using simple, standardised validated tools like PHQ-9.

Impact of integrating mental health services within existing tuberculosis treatment facilities

Introduction:

Depression and anxiety among tuberculosis (TB) patients can adversely affect TB treatment adherence and completion.

Aim:

We studied whether integrating mental health services into existing TB treatment programs would reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve treatment completion among patients with drug-susceptible TB.

Methods:

Integrated practice units (IPUs) for TB and mental health were established within six existing TB treatment facilities in Karachi, Pakistan. Patients were screened for depression and anxiety and, if symptomatic, offered a mental health intervention consisting of at least four counseling sessions. We measured changes in reported levels of depression and anxiety symptoms from baseline following completion of counseling sessions, and rates of TB treatment completion.

Results:

Between February 2017 and June 2018, 3500 TB patients were screened for depression and anxiety. 1057 (30.2%) symptomatic patients received a baseline adherence session. 1012 enrolled for a mental health intervention received at least 1 counseling session. 522 (51.5%) reported no symptoms after four to six sessions. Symptomatic patients who completed at least four counseling sessions had higher rates of TB treatment completion than those who did not (92.9% vs 75.1%; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Mental health interventions integrated within TB programs can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve TB treatment completion.

Pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions for treatment of common mental disorders associated with Tuberculosis: A systematic review

We aimed to review the literature on interventions for treating Common Mental Disorders (CMD) in people with Tuberculosis (TB). We followed PRISMA guidelines and the protocol was registered at PROSPERO. The electronic databases (PsycInfo, CINAHL, Medline, Google Scholar, Embase) were searched from 1982 to 2020. 349 relevant records were screened, with 26 examined at full text. 13 studies were included totalling 4326 participants. A meta-analysis was not possible due to nature of data, thus descriptive synthesis was conducted. Eleven studies evaluated psychosocial interventions, which significantly improved adherence or cure rates from TB, anxiety and depression. The elements of effective psychosocial interventions included; combating stigma, socioeconomic disadvantage, managing associated guilt and fear of contagion, and explanatory models of illness in local population. Two articles evaluated pharmacological interventions (antidepressants and Vitamin D). This is the first systematic review of interventions to treat CMD in TB. The studies were mostly low quality and mental health outcomes were not adequately described. However, this review suggests that it is feasible to develop and test interventions for improving mental health outcomes and enhancing treatment adherence in TB.

Oxidative Stress and Trace Elements in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients During 6 Months Anti-tuberculosis Treatment

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a well-known cause of imbalance in oxidative stress (OS) status and trace element levels. However, little information is available for targeting the correlation between OS and trace elements in pulmonary TB patients. The aim of our study was to analyze the OS status and its correlation with trace elements in patients initially and during 6 months anti-TB treatment. Eighty-six newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients were consecutively recruited, and 112 age- and sex-matched healthy controls participated in the study. Serum markers of OS and trace elements levels were tested and analyzed in all subjects during 6 months anti-TB treatment. Compared with healthy controls, significantly increased level of malondialdehyde (MDA), decreased glutathione (GSH) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were found in TB patients. The activities of SOD and CAT and GSH level recovered till normal range at treatment final. Zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and copper (Cu) concentrations were significantly lower in TB patients in comparison with healthy controls, whereas Zn, Cu, and Se concentrations rise during 6 months anti-TB treatment. Zn was positively correlated with Cu, Se, and GSH, while MDA was negatively correlated with Zn, Se, SOD, and CAT, and SOD was positively correlated with Cu, Zn, and CAT. Our findings indicate that anti-TB treatment could reduce the status of OS and increase the levels of trace elements. The routine assessment of OS markers and element traces may guarantee improved monitoring the anti-TB treatment.

Impact of latent tuberculosis infection on health and wellbeing: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The impact of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) on health and wellbeing is not well understood. This review aims to evaluate the health and wellbeing of individuals with LTBI. A systematic literature search was performed to assess studies reporting patient-reported outcomes in LTBI management including health-related quality of life (HRQoL), health utilities, disease burden and experience of individuals with LTBI. A pooled analysis was performed to estimate the effect of LTBI on HRQoL.A total of 4464 studies were screened, of which 13 eligible articles describing nine unique studies were included for review. The HRQoL of individuals with LTBI and without tuberculosis (TB) infection were comparable, and better than patients with active TB disease. However, individuals with LTBI reported poorer mental health compared with individuals without TB infection (mean difference -4.16, 95% CI -7.45- -0.87; p=0.01). Qualitative studies suggest the presence of fear, anxiety and stigma in individuals with LTBI.This review highlights potential psychosocial challenges in individuals with LTBI despite the absence of clinical symptoms. While their quality of life was marginally affected, this could be evidence to support LTBI management in preventing TB re-activation and the severe consequences of active TB disease that affect all domains of HRQoL.

Tuberculosis and Non-Communicable Disease Multimorbidity: An Analysis of the World Health Survey in 48 Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). TB multimorbidity [TB and ≥1 non-communicable diseases (NCDs)] is common, but studies are sparse. Cross-sectional, community-based data including adults from 21 low-income countries and 27 middle-income countries were utilized from the World Health Survey. Associations between 9 NCDs and TB were assessed with multivariable logistic regression analysis. Years lived with disability (YLDs) were calculated using disability weights provided by the 2017 Global Burden of Disease Study. Eight out of 9 NCDs (all except visual impairment) were associated with TB (odds ratio (OR) ranging from 1.38-4.0). Prevalence of self-reported TB increased linearly with increasing numbers of NCDs. Compared to those with no NCDs, those who had 1, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5 NCDs had 2.61 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.14-3.22), 4.71 (95%CI = 3.67-6.11), 6.96 (95%CI = 4.95-9.87), 10.59 (95%CI = 7.10-15.80), and 19.89 (95%CI = 11.13-35.52) times higher odds for TB. Among those with TB, the most prevalent combinations of NCDs were angina and depression, followed by angina and arthritis. For people with TB, the YLDs were three times higher than in people without multimorbidity or TB, and a third of the YLDs were attributable to NCDs. Urgent research to understand, prevent and manage NCDs in people with TB in LMICs is needed.

Post-tuberculosis mortality risk among immigrants to British Columbia, Canada, 1985-2015: a time-dependent Cox regression analysis of linked immigration, public health, and vital statistics data

OBJECTIVE

To compare non-tuberculosis (non-TB)-cause mortality risk overall and cause-specific mortality risks within the immigrant population of British Columbia (BC) with and without TB diagnosis through time-dependent Cox regressions.

METHODS

All people immigrating to BC during 1985-2015 (N = 1,030,873) were included with n = 2435 TB patients, and the remaining as non-TB controls. Outcomes were time-to-mortality for all non-TB causes, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and injuries/poisonings, and were ascertained using ICD-coded vital statistics data. Cox regressions were used, with a time-varying exposure variable for TB diagnosis.

RESULTS

The non-TB-cause mortality hazard ratio (HR) was 4.01 (95% CI 3.57-4.51) with covariate-adjusted HR of 1.69 (95% CI 1.50-1.91). Cause-specific covariate-adjusted mortality risk was elevated for respiratory diseases (aHR = 2.96; 95% CI 2.18-4.00), cardiovascular diseases (aHR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.32-2.02), cancers (aHR = 1.40; 95% CI 1.13-1.75), and injuries/poisonings (aHR = 1.85; 95% CI 1.25-2.72).

CONCLUSIONS

In any given year, if an immigrant to BC was diagnosed with TB, their risk of non-TB mortality was 69% higher than if they were not diagnosed with TB. Healthcare providers should consider multiple potential threats to the long-term health of TB patients during and after TB treatment. TB guidelines in high-income settings should address TB survivor health.

The Tuberculosis-Depression Syndemic and Evolution of Pharmaceutical Therapeutics: From Ancient Times to the Future

The interplay between tuberculosis and depression has been problematic since the humoralists. Over the centuries similarities in disease management have transpired. With the advent of isoniazid chemotherapy, transformation of tuberculosis patients from morbidly depressive to euphoric was noted. Isoniazid was thereafter widely prescribed for depression: hepatotoxicity ending its use as an antidepressant in 1961. Isoniazid monotherapy led to the emergence of drug resistant tuberculosis, stimulating new drug development. Vastly increased investment into antidepressants ensued thereafter while investment in new drugs for tuberculosis lagged. In the 21st century, both diseases independently contribute significantly to global disease burdens: renewed convergence and the resultant syndemic is detrimental to both patient groups. Ending the global tuberculosis epidemic and decreasing the burden of depression and will require multidisciplinary, patient-centered approaches that consider this combined co-morbidity. The emerging era of big data for health, digital interventions and novel and repurposed compounds promise new ways to treat both diseases and manage the syndemic, but absence of clinical structures to support these innovations may derail the treatment programs for both. New policies are urgently required optimizing use of the current advances in healthcare available in the digital era, to ensure that patient-centered care takes cognizance of both diseases.

Impact of mental disorders on active TB treatment outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Comorbid mental disorders in patients with TB may exacerbate TB treatment outcomes. We systematically reviewed current evidence on the association between mental disorders and TB outcomes.METHODS: We searched eight databases for studies published from 1990 to 2018 that compared TB treatment outcomes among patients with and without mental disorders. We excluded studies that did not systematically assess mental disorders and studies limited to substance use. We extracted study and patient characteristics and effect measures and performed a meta-analysis using random-effects models to calculate summary odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).RESULTS: Of 7687 studies identified, 10 were included in the systematic review and nine in the meta-analysis. Measurement of mental disorders and TB outcomes were heterogeneous across studies. The pooled association between mental disorders and any poor outcome, loss to follow-up, and non-adherence were OR 2.13 (95%CI 0.85-5.37), 1.90 (95%CI 0.33-10.91), and 1.60 (95%CI 0.81-3.02), respectively. High statistical heterogeneity was present.CONCLUSION: Our review suggests that mental disorders in TB patients increase the risk of poor TB outcomes, but pooled estimates were imprecise due to small number of eligible studies. Integration of psychological and TB services might improve TB outcomes and progress towards TB elimination.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among patients with tuberculosis attending public health institutions in Gede'o zone, South Ethiopia

Background

Depression is a common mental disorder among patients with tuberculosis and it is associated with a greater risk of suicide, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, and poor quality of life. Evidence suggests the early identification of depression among patients with tuberculosis is important to decrease adverse outcomes. However, there are limited studies that examined the prevalence and determinants of depressive symptoms among patients with tuberculosis. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depressive symptoms among patients with tuberculosis attending public health institutions in Gede’o zone, South Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based a cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1 to December 30, 2018, among a randomly selected sample of 415 patients with tuberculosis attending public health institutions in Gede’o zone, South Ethiopia. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Logistic regression was used to identify the potential risk factors of depressive symptoms. The strength of the association was presented by crude odds and adjusted odds ratio with their corresponding 95% CI. Finally, the statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of depressive symptoms was found to be 45.5% (95% CI; 41.1–50.1%) among patients with tuberculosis; 33.3% had moderate, 9.8% had moderately severe, and 2.4% had severe depression. After adjusting for the possible confounders, being on re-treatment for tuberculosis (AOR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.17–5.22), aged ≥45 years (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.09–5.32), having poor social support (AOR = 4.21, 95% CI: 2.10–8.47), and Tuberculosis/Human Immunodeficiency Virus (TB/HIV) co-infection) (AOR = 3.96, 95% CI 2.0, 7.84) were significantly associated with depressive symptoms among patients with TB.

Conclusions

This study suggests that a substantial percentage of patients with TB had depressive symptoms (45.5%). TB/HIV coinfection, being on re-treatment for tuberculosis, those having poor social support, patients aged 45 and above were factors associated with depressive symptoms. Routine screening of depression among patients with TB is warranted. Moreover, patients with TB falling into the risk categories should be more carefully monitored for depression and when possible referred to mental health professionals.

Impact of mental disorders on active tuberculosis treatment outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Comorbid mental disorders in patients with tuberculosis (TB) may exacerbate TB treatment outcomes. We systematically reviewed current evidence on the association between mental disorders and TB outcomes.

METHODS

We searched eight databases for studies published from 1990-2018 that compared TB treatment outcomes among patients with and without mental disorders. We excluded studies that did not systematically assess mental disorders and studies limited to substance use. We extracted study and patient characteristics and effect measures and performed a meta-analysis using random-effects models to calculate summary odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

FINDINGS

Of 7,687 studies identified, ten were included in the systematic review and nine in the meta-analysis. Measurement of mental disorders and TB outcomes were heterogeneous across studies. The pooled association between mental disorders and any poor outcome, loss to follow-up, and non-adherence were OR 2.13 (95% CI: 0.85-5.37), 1.90 (0.33-10.91), and 1.60 (0.81-3.02), respectively. High statistical heterogeneity was present.

INTERPRETATION

Our review suggests that mental disorders in TB patients increase the risk of poor TB outcomes, but pooled estimates were imprecise due to small number of eligible studies. Integration of psychological and TB services might improve TB outcomes and progress towards TB elimination.

The association of household food insecurity and HIV infection with common mental disorders among newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients in Botswana

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between food insecurity and HIV infection with depression and anxiety among new tuberculosis (TB) patients.

DESIGN

Our cross-sectional study assessed depression, anxiety and food insecurity with Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Zung Anxiety Self-Assessment Scale (ZUNG) and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, respectively. Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to examine correlates of depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) and anxiety (ZUNG ≥ 36).

SETTING

Gaborone, Botswana.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients who were newly diagnosed with TB.

RESULTS

Between January and December 2019, we enrolled 180 TB patients from primary health clinics in Botswana. Overall, 99 (55·0 %) were HIV positive, 47 (26·1 %), 85 (47·2 %) and 69 (38·5 %) indicated depression, anxiety and moderate to severe food insecurity, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, food insecurity was associated with a higher prevalence of depression (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 2·30; 95 % CI 1·40, 3·78) and anxiety (aPR = 1·41; 95 % CI 1·05, 1·91). Prevalence of depression and anxiety was similar between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected participants. Estimates remained comparable when restricted to HIV-infected participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Mental disorders may be affected by food insecurity among new TB patients, regardless of HIV status.

Electronic dose monitoring identifies a high-risk subpopulation in the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis and HIV

BACKGROUND

In generalized drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) HIV epidemics, identifying subpopulations at high risk for treatment failure and loss to care is critically important to improve treatment outcomes and prevent amplification of drug resistance. We hypothesized that an electronic dose-monitoring (EDM) device could empirically identify adherence-challenged patients and that a mixed-methods approach would characterize treatment challenges.

METHODS

A prospective study of DR-TB HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiating bedaquiline-containing regimens in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Separate EDM devices measured adherence for bedaquiline and ART. Patients with low adherence (<85%) to both bedaquiline and ART were identified as high-risk for poor outcomes. Baseline survey, study visit notes and focus group discussions characterized treatment challenges.

RESULTS

From December 2016-February 2018, 32 of 198 (16%) enrolled DR-TB HIV patients were identified as dual adherence-challenged. In a multivariate model including baseline characteristics, only receiving a disability grant was significantly associated with dual non-adherence at 6-months. Mixed-methods identified treatment barriers including, alcohol abuse, family conflicts, and mental health issues. Compared to adherent patients, dual-adherence challenged patients struggled to prioritize treatment and lacked support, and dual adherence-challenged patients experienced higher rates of detectable HIV viral load and mortality compared to more adherent patients.

CONCLUSION

EDM empirically identified a subpopulation of DR-TB HIV patients with dual adherence challenges early in treatment. Mixed-methods revealed intense psychosocial, behavioral, and structural barriers to care in this subpopulation. Our data supports developing differential, patient-centered, adherence support interventions focused on psychosocial and structural challenges for subpopulations of at-risk DR-TB HIV patients.

Depression and delayed tuberculosis treatment initiation among newly diagnosed patients in Botswana

Comorbidity of tuberculosis (TB) and depression may lead to delayed TB treatment initiation. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and December 2019 to examine the association between depression and delayed TB treatment initiation among newly diagnosed TB patients in Botswana. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the ZUNG self-rating anxiety scale to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Delayed TB treatment was defined as experiencing common TB symptoms for more than 2 months before treatment initiation. We used Poisson regression models with robust variance to assess the association between covariates and delayed treatment initiation. Majority of the enrolled 180 study participants were males (n =116, 64.4%). Overall, 99 (55%) were co-infected with HIV; depression and anxiety symptoms were reported by 47.2% and 38.5% of the participants respectively. The prevalence of delayed TB treatment was 42.6% and 18.8% among participants who indicated symptoms of depression and among participants without depression respectively. After adjusting for age, HIV status, gender and anxiety symptoms, depression was still associated with delayed TB treatment (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 2.09; 95% CI = 1.23-3.57). Integrating management of depressive symptoms during TB treatment may help in improving overall TB treatment outcomes.

The necessity of psychological interventions to improve compliance with Tuberculosis treatment and reduce psychological distress

Context:

One of the major obstacles in treating TB is the patient's nonadherence to the treatment regimen resulting in prolonged disease transmission and development of resistance to anti-TB drugs. An individual's mental health affects his/her adaptation to the disease. Mental health issues and TB both are inextricably connected and research into this area will provide an opportunity to develop a more holistic model of TB treatment and prevention.

Aims:

The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of mental health issues in patients with TB and its influence on individual perception of well-being with an emphasis on psychopathology as a major obstacle to treatment adherence. Research into this area will provide an opportunity to develop a more holistic model of TB treatment and prevention.

Settings and Design:

Primary data were collected with the help of ASHA workers, and primary survey-based study was designed.

Methods and Material:

A total of 249 diagnosed Tuberculosis cases were included in the study. A digitalized version of the PGIHQN-1 questionnaire was made and used to separate the psychiatric population from the normal group. Asha workers were trained to use the digital version on tablets.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Using Microsoft Excel, Graphic Tables, and corelation were done using SPSS Statistics.

Results:

Mental health issues were found in diagnosed TB cases, which required further evaluations. Along with mental health issues, limited resources, gender, limited education, lack of proper knowledge about the disease, having responsibilities (Marital status), locality were found to be the important factors that complicate TB outcomes, hence should be taken into consideration while imparting psychological interventions.

Conclusion:

Mental health issues complicate TB outcome and hence need to be properly addressed, and thorough psychoeducation, psychological first aid (listen, protect, connect, model& teach), and timely intervention in the form of proper diagnosis and specific treatment and rehabilitation are needed.

Syndemics theory must take local context seriously: An example of measures for poverty, mental health, and food insecurity

Syndemics theory has provided insight into the ways that disease states and social adversity interact in marginalized populations to further disempower these groups. Yet, until recently, scholars have not identified how we might actually recognize and measure a syndemic, as opposed to a situation where there are multiple but non-interacting diseases present in a population. As researchers like those included in this special issue develop new methods for assessing syndemic interactions in diverse global populations, this short communication argues for the value of locally relevant measures. Poverty, mental health, food insecurity, and type 2 diabetes are used to illustrate the assessment of a potential syndemic from a locally grounded perspective. The discussion emphasizes the insights locally adapted measures can add and what information would be lost without their use.

Quality of life, tuberculosis and treatment outcome; a case-control and nested cohort study

BACKGROUND

Global tuberculosis policy increasingly emphasises broad tuberculosis impacts and highlights the lack of evidence concerning tuberculosis-related quality of life (QOL).

METHODS

Participants were recruited in 32 Peruvian communities between July 13, 2016 and February 24, 2018 and followed-up until November 8, 2019. Inclusion criteria were age ≥15 years for "patients" (n=1545) starting treatment for tuberculosis disease in health centres; "contacts" (n=3180) who shared a patient's household for ≥6 h·week^-1; and randomly selected "controls" (n=277). The EUROHIS-QOL questionnaire quantified satisfaction with QOL, health, energy, activities of daily living (ADL), self, relationships, money and living place.

FINDINGS

Newly diagnosed tuberculosis was most strongly associated with lower QOL scores (p<0.001). Patients initially had lower QOL than controls for all EUROHIS-QOL questions (p≤0.01), especially concerning health, ADL and self. Lower initial QOL in patients predicted adverse treatment outcomes and scores <13 points had 4.2-fold (95% CI 2.3-7.6) increased risk of death versus those with higher QOL scores (both p<0.001). Patient QOL was re-assessed 6 months later, and for patients with successful treatment QOL became similar to participants who had never had tuberculosis, whereas patients who did not complete treatment continued to have low QOL (p<0.001). Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis was associated with lower QOL before and during treatment (both p<0.001). Contacts had lower QOL if they lived with a patient who had low QOL score (p<0.0001) or were a caregiver for the patient (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Tuberculosis was associated with impaired psychosocioeconomic QOL which recovered with successful treatment. Low QOL scores predicted adverse treatment outcome. This brief EUROHIS-QOL eight-item questionnaire quantified the holistic needs of tuberculosis-affected people, potentially guiding patient-centred care.

Antiretroviral switching and bedaquiline treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis HIV co-infection

Bedaquiline, a potent new therapy for drug-resistant tuberculosis, results in improved survival including in HIV patients with multidrug and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis. In line with WHO recommendations, in South Africa and other low-income and middle-income settings, antiretroviral therapy is switched from generic fixed-dose combination efavirenz-containing regimens to twice-daily nevirapine with separate companion pills because of interactions between efavirenz and bedaquiline. Early data suggest a signal for low antiretroviral therapy adherence after this antiretroviral therapy switch. Mortality and other tuberculosis-specific benefits noted with bedaquiline treatment in multidrug and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis HIV might be compromised by HIV viral failure, and emergent antiretroviral resistance. Programmatic responses, such as adherence support and dual pharmacovigilance, should be instituted; antiretroviral therapy initiation with fixed-dose combinations without bedaquiline drug interactions should be strongly considered.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression and Anxiety Among Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis Attending Treatment at Public Health Facilities in Southwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Depression and anxiety are the most commonly occurring psychiatric comorbidities among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Co-occurring anxiety and depression in PTB patients result in poor adherence to anti-tuberculosis medication. This in turn results in lower success rate of treatment and an upsurge in morbidity and mortality. Despite this problem existing globally, little has been explored in southwest Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression and anxiety among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis receiving treatment at public health facilities in southwest Ethiopia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2019. Data were collected from 410 PTB patients using hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). Epi data version 3.1 and SPSS version 23 were used to enter and analyze data respectively. Multiple logistic regressions were fitted to identify the strength of association between outcome and explanatory variables. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Prevalence of depression and anxiety among PTB patients were 229 (55.9 %) and 224 (54.6%), respectively. High perceived stress [AOR=3.61 (1.99, 6.53)], perceived stigma [AOR=10.13 (5.52, 18.63)], being in an intensive phase of treatment [AOR= 3.33 (1.83, 6.07)], and low body mass index [AOR=2.07 (1.13, 3.80)] were significantly associated with depression. Being female [AOR=2.42 (1.39, 4.22)], perceived stigma [AOR=3.58 (1.99, 6.42)], high perceived stress [AOR=4.40 (2.52, 7.69)], and family history of mental illness [AOR=2.66 (1.19, 5.94)] had significant association with anxiety.

CONCLUSION

More than half of the study participants were found to have probable depression and anxiety. This indicates the need to pay attention to the mental health condition of patients with PTB, particularly to those with identified risk factors.

A systematic review of the impact of psychosocial factors on immunity: Implications for enhancing BCG response against tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) remains an urgent global public health priority, causing 1.5 million deaths worldwide in 2018. There is evidence that psychosocial factors modulate immune function; however, how this may influence TB risk or BCG vaccine response, and whether this pathway can be modified through social protection, has not been investigated. This paper aims to: a) systematically review evidence of how psychosocial factors influence the expression of biomarkers of immunity, and b) apply this general evidence to propose plausible TB-specific pathways for future study.

METHODS

Papers reporting on the impact of psychosocial stressors on immune biomarkers in relation to infectious disease risk were identified through a search of the databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Global Health and PsycEXTRA alongside reference list and citation searching of key papers. Data extraction and critical appraisal were carried out using a standardised form. The findings were tabulated and synthesised narratively by infectious disease category, and used to propose plausible mechanisms for how psychosocial exposures might influence immune outcomes relevant to TB and BCG response.

RESULTS

27,026 citations were identified, of which 51 met the inclusion criteria. The literature provides evidence of a relationship between psychosocial factors and immune biomarkers. While the direction and strength of associations is heterogenous, some overarching patterns emerged: adverse psychosocial factors (e.g. stress) were generally associated with compromised vaccine response and higher antibody titres to herpesviruses, and vice versa for positive psychosocial factors (e.g. social support).

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence identifies pathways linking psychosocial factors and immune response: co-viral infection and immune suppression, both of which are potentially relevant to TB and BCG response. However, the heterogeneity in the strength and nature of the impact of psychosocial factors on immune function, and lack of research on the implications of this relationship for TB, underscore the need for TB-specific research.

Healthcare utilization and out-of-pocket expenditures associated with depression in adults: a cross-sectional analysis in Nepal

BACKGROUND

Despite attempts to improve universal health coverage (UHC) in low income countries like Nepal, most healthcare utilization is still financed by out-of-pocket (OOP) payments, with detrimental effects on the poorest and most in need. Evidence from high income countries shows that depression is associated with increased healthcare utilization, which may lead to increased OOP expenditures, placing greater stress on families. To inform policies for integrating mental healthcare into UHC in LMIC, we must understand healthcare utilization and OOP expenditure patterns in people with depression. We examined associations between symptoms of depression and frequency and type of healthcare utilization and OOP expenditure among adults in Chitwan District, Nepal.

METHODS

We analysed data from a population-based survey of 2040 adults in 2013, who completed the PHQ-9 screening tool for depression and answered questions about healthcare utilization. We examined associations between increasing PHQ-9 score and healthcare utilization frequency and OOP expenditure using negative binomial regression. We also compared utilization of specific outpatient service providers and their related costs among adults with and without probable depression, determined by a PHQ-9 score of 10 or more.

RESULTS

We classified 80 (3.6%) participants with probable depression, 70.9% of whom used some form of healthcare in the past year compared to 43.9% of people without probable depression. Mean annual OOP healthcare expenditures were $118 USD in people with probable depression, compared to $110 USD in people without. With each unit increase in PHQ-9 score, there was a 14% increase in total healthcare visits (95% CI 7-22%, p < 0.0001) and $9 USD increase in OOP expenditures (95% CI $2-$17; p < 0.0001). People with depression sought most healthcare from pharmacists (30.1%) but reported the greatest expenditure on specialist doctors ($36 USD).

CONCLUSIONS

In this population-based sample from Central Nepal, we identified dose-dependent increases in healthcare utilization and OOP expenditure with increasing PHQ-9 scores. Future studies should evaluate whether provision of mental health services as an integrated component of UHC can improve overall health and reduce healthcare utilisation and expenditure, thereby alleviating financial pressures on families.

Factors associated with delay in treatment initiation for pulmonary tuberculosis

Background

Delays in treatment initiation for tuberculosis (TB) may lead to worse clinical outcomes and increased transmission. We aimed to determine factors associated with treatment delays, to guide public health action.

Methods

We extracted data on clinical characteristics and documented potential barriers to treatment from all pulmonary TB cases with clinical case review data from 2011 to 2015 and linked these to TB surveillance data. We described the distribution of delays from symptom onset to first presentation (“presentation delay”) and from presentation to treatment (“healthcare delay”). We calculated time ratios (TRs) to determine the association between sociodemographic and clinical factors and delay outcomes.

Results

Median presentation delay was 30 days (interquartile range (IQR) 11–72 days). Language barriers were associated with 40% longer presentation delay (TR 1.40, 1.01–1.94). Median healthcare delay was 40 days (IQR 13–89 days), and mostly consisted of the time taken before deciding to refer to TB specialists (median 26 days, IQR 4–73 days). Shorter healthcare delay was associated with positive sputum smear (TR 0.58, 0.47–0.70), UK residency <2 years (TR 0.47, 0.32–0.67), male sex (TR 0.74, 0.60–0.91) and secondary care referral (TR 0.63, 0.51–0.78).

Conclusions

Our findings support continued initiatives to enable access to care for migrant populations to minimise presentation delay. Multifaceted approaches to increase clinician awareness of TB clinical presentations, to implement systems enabling early case recognition, to maximise the yield from sputum smear investigations and to ensure rapid diagnosis of smear negative cases are required to achieve further TB control.

What factors are associated with delayed pulmonary tuberculosis treatment initiation? Language barriers are associated with delayed presentation to healthcare. Smear negativity, female sex and longer residence are associated with delays after presentation.http://bit.ly/2MWRIHS