Characteristics of patients with tuberculosis and the associated factors with TB-related mortality in a rural setting in Sarawak, Malaysia: A single-centre study

• Published in: Medical journal of Malaysia Vol. 78; no. 1; pp. 1 - 6
• Main Authors: Ho, Y H, Lim, C T, Albart, S A, Schee, J P, Yong, M C, Looi, I
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malaysia 01-01-2023
• Subjects: Antitubercular Agents - adverse effects; Female; Humans; Malaysia - epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Compliance; Rural Population; Tuberculosis - drug therapy; Tuberculosis - epidemiology; Malaysia
• ISSN: 0300-5283

Tuberculosis (TB) in Malaysia has estimated incidence and mortality rates of 81 cases per 100,000 people-year and 4.9 per 100,000 populations, respectively. This study aimed to study the characteristics of rural TB patients and their mortality outcomes.
This is a retrospective observational study involving real-world data analysis, looking into TB patients in Lubok Antu Health Clinic by obtaining data through clinic cards, from 1 January 2019 till 31 December 2020. Statistical significance was p < 0.05.
Eighty-four patients were included. Fifty-two (61.9%) were male. Median age was 58.5 (39-67). Forty-six (54.8%) had smear-positive TB. Seventy-eight (92.9%) were alive at treatment completion. Fifteen (17.9%) experienced adverse drug reactions. Estimated prevalence and mortality rate were 7.1% and 10.7 per 100,000 populations, respectively. Regression analyses revealed that drug reaction was significantly associated with compliance [OR = 8.38 (95% CI: 1.26, 55.53), p = 0.029]. Patients compliant with treatment were more likely to survive [OR = 12.5 (95% CI: 1.61, 97.34), p = 0.028].
Compliance with TB treatment should be emphasised to reduce TB-related mortality.