Perceived Quality of Life among Persons Living with Tuberculosis in Karu LGA, North-Central Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, which ranks among the high TB burden countries globally. While control programs emphasize bacteriological cure and treatment completion, patient-reported outcomes such as quality of life (QOL) are rarely assessed in routine practice. Understanding QOL impairment among persons living with tuberculosis (PLWTB) is essential for patient-centered care.
Objective: To assess perceived quality of life and identify sociodemographic and clinical correlates
among persons living with tuberculosis (PLWTB) in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted among 205 adult PLWTB receiving treatment at two Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) centres. QOL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument. Domain scores were transformed to a 0–100 scale and dichotomized into good (≥60) and poor (<60). Descriptive statistics were computed using SPSS version 25 significance set at p<0.005
Results: The overall mean QOL score was 44.6 ± 21.2. More than half of respondents were dissatisfied with their health status, and only 24.8% reported good physical health-related QOL. Poor QOL was reported in the physical (75.2%), psychological (59.5%), social (83.4%), and environmental (83.9%) domains. The treatment phase and occupation were associated with better QOL perception.
Conclusion: PLWTB in Karu experience profound multidimensional QOL impairment, particularly in social and environmental domains. Findings highlight the burden of TB beyond clinical treatment and cure and underscore the need for more patient-centered multidisciplinary care strategies, including monitoring QOL.
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