Nutritional status of tuberculosis patients in Oyo State Nigeria from 2020 to 2021

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious respiratory illness with a significant incidence in underdeveloped nations, including Nigeria. As a result of these; goals were set for the research to show the importance of proper nutrition in the treatment, and control of tuberculosis; as well as see how, diverse indigenous native protein foods consumed in their local community can enhance a Tuberculosis patient's nutritional wellbeing and recovery.

Method: A descriptive research design was used to conduct this study. The weight (kg) and Height (m) of 120 patients used for the study was taken and their Body Mass Index calculated. Eighty three patients were given treatment, 12 patients were infants, and 19 patients were used for control while a total of 5 patients were lost during the study due to mortality. Blood samples were collected from these patients and a GeneXpert analysis as well as a tuberculin skin test to confirm tuberculosis infection was conducted. Radiographic analysis (Chest Xrays) was conducted for all the patients and then a diet chart plan incorporating indigenous protein sources was recommended for the patients having in mind the recommended protein allowance for these tuberculosis patients. Statistical Analysis was done using SPSS version 25.

Results. More than half (80%) of the patients that were given the indigenous protein diet comprised of 59 Male and 37 females. 15.83% of the control group weren't given these indigenous protein diet. These patients were monitored using their body weight as well as their Body Mass Index. A significant increase in weight was seen in 80% of TB patients given indigenous protein diet and drug treatment, p < 0.05) as well as recovery was observed at the end of the study, while the control TB Patients weight had (p > 0.05), and recovery was quite slow. The TB infants' patients who were also given the indigenous protein diet and drug treatment had their weight increased having (p < 0.05). The recovery rate of tuberculosis patients who were given the indigenous protein diet treatment alongside their regular TB medicines recovered significantly throughout the study. Nutritional counseling following recovery facilitated their quick recovery and helped avoiding relapse with tuberculosis.

Conclusion: Indigenous protein food sources represents a novel approach for fast recovery in tuberculosis patients.