The Global Impact of COVID-19 on Tuberculosis: A Thematic Scoping Review, 2020-2023

Abstract

Background: This thematic scoping review of publications sought to understand the global impact of COVID-19 on tuberculosis (TB), interpret the scope of resonating themes, and offer policy recommendations to stimulate TB recovery and future pandemic preparedness. Data Sources: Publications were captured from three search engines, PubMed, EBSCO, and Google Scholar, and applicable websites written in English from January 1, 2020, to April 30, 2023. Study Selection: Our scoping review was limited to publications detailing the impact of COVID-19 on TB. Original research, reviews, letters, and editorials describing the deleterious and harmful––yet sometimes positive–– impact of COVID-19 (sole exposure) on TB (sole outcome) were included. The objective was to methodically categorize the impacts into themes through a comprehensive review of selected studies to provide significant health policy guidance. Data Extraction: Two authors independently screened citations and full texts, while the third arbitrated when consensus was not met. All three performed data extraction. Data Synthesis/Results: Of 1,755 screened publications, 176 (10%) covering 39 countries over 41 months met the inclusion criteria. Ten principal themes were established, which encompassed TB’s care cascade, patient-centered care, psychosocial issues, and health services: 1) case-finding and notification (n=45; 26%); 2) diagnosis and laboratory systems (n=19; 10.7%) 3) prevention, treatment, and care (n=22; 12.2%); 4) telemedicine/telehealth (n=12; 6.8%); 5) social determinants of health (n=14; 8%); 6) airborne infection prevention and control (n=8; 4.6%); 7) health system strengthening (n=22; 13%); 8) mental health (n=13; 7.4%); 9) stigma (n=11; 6.3%); and 10) health education (n=10; 5.7%). Limitations: Heterogeneity of publications within themes. Conclusions: We identified ten globally generalizable themes of COVID-19’s impact on TB. These thematic areas will guide evidence-informed policies to strengthen comprehensive global responses, recovery for TB, and future airborne pandemic preparedness.