Health-Related Quality of Life of Tuberculosis Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Conakry, Guinea: A Mixed Methods Study

Autor: Almamy Amara Touré, Aboubacar Sidiki Magassouba, Gnoume Camara, Abdoulaye Doumbouya, Diao Cissé, Ibrahima Barry, Lansana Mady Camara, Abdoul Habib Béavogui, Alexandre Delamou, Vanessa Veronese, Corinne Simone Merle, Hugues Asken Traoré, Adama Marie Bangoura
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2022
Předmět:
Zdroj: Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, Vol 7, Iss 9, p 224 (2022)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2414-6366
DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7090224
Popis: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on all facets of life and has exacerbated many challenges faced by people living with tuberculosis (TB). This study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of TB patients in Guinea during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed methods study was conducted using two validated tools to assess HRQoL and qualitative interviews among TB patients enrolled in treatment at 11 health centers in Conakry, Guinea. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the deterioration of HRQoL. We included 439 participants in the study, among whom 44% and 31% experienced pain and anxiety, respectively. We found that an increase in the number of household size and the distance from participants’ residence to the health centers were significantly associated with lower HRQoL. Qualitative interviews highlighted nutritional and financial issues, which were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic and beliefs that the Guinean Government’s assistance plan was insufficient. This study supports the implementation of specific relief plans for TB patients, which includes nutritional and psychological support, especially those whose movements are limited by travel restrictions, preventing access to TB care, reducing work opportunities and exacerbating financial needs and stress.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals