Evaluation of the Quality of Nutritional Management of Tuberculosis Patients under Treatment in the Intensive Phase in Two Benin Health Districts

Abstract

Adequate nutrition is required for the effectiveness and adherence to medication among TB (Tuberculosis) patients. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the quality of nutritional management of TB patients under treatment in intensive phase in two health districts in Benin. This cross sectional and evaluative study was conducted from February 2 nd to 20 th July 2016 and included 36 tuberculosis TB patients (exhaustively selected) under treatment in intensive phase and twelve health professionals who provide care to TB patients identified by a reasoned choice. Data on nutritional management of TB patients were collected through interviews, observation and medical records exploitation. The quality of nutritional management for TB patients was assessed according to national and international guidelines. The median age of the 36 TB patients was 40 years and 97.2% (35) were new cases of tuberculosis. Among TB patients, 88.89% consumed less than required intake of fats and proteins. At base line, 66.67% had BMI <18.5. At the end of intensive phase treatment 44.44% showed BMI <18.5.The quality of nutritional management of TB patients was poor (score = 27.3%) characterized by and a fair component "input" (score = 55.6%), poor components "process" (score = 0%) and "results" (score = 20%). Interventions to improve the quality of nutritional care of TB patients under treatment in intensive phase in the two health districts are timely to improve effectiveness of drug treatment.

Tendency of Malnutrition in Intensive Phase Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients with Low Macro Nutrient Adequacy

“…In Benin, TB patients receiving late-stage intensive treatment had a BMI below the normal limit of 44.4%, almost half of the total patients. 5 . Some of these studies show that the number of malnutrition due to TB infection is still relatively high in various regions.…”

“…The provision of optimal nutrition services greatly affects the patient's condition. However, a study shows that often the nutritional services that support the effectiveness of treatment in the intensive care unit are still relatively weak 5 . Improved quality of life and maximum rehabilitation are the result of proper nutrition monitoring and handling 9 .…”

“…The risk of death will increase and the results of therapy are less than optimal if pulmonary TB patients have macronutrient intake that is less than needed. Almost 90% of TB patients in intensive care have lower intakes than they should 5 . In fact, an RCT study in India showed that pulmonary TB patients need to be given dietary supplements in order to maintain and increase their weight even though they have been diagnosed with wasting since the beginning of TB development.…”