Clinical Factors Associated with Under-Nutrition among Adult Tuberculosis Patients in Nairobi County, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47604/jhmn.3770Keywords:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Tuberculosis, NutritionAbstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine clinical factors associated with under-nutrition among adult Tuberculosis patients in Nairobi, county, Kenya.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Nairobi City County, Kenya, across ten health centers providing TB diagnostic and treatment services. A total of 367 adult TB patients were selected through stratified random sampling. Data collection involved structured questionnaires (socio-demographics and clinical record reviews (TB type, treatment duration, co-morbidities. The questionnaire was pre-tested at Kariobangi North Health Centre. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and inferential tests (Chi-square, logistic regression) to assess associations between clinical factors and under-nutrition, with significance set at p<0.05.
Findings: The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified treatment phase, adherence, disease duration, and comorbidities as significant determinants of under-nutrition, aligning with and extending previous research on the interplay between TB and malnutrition. Patients in the continuation phase of TB treatment were significantly more likely to be under-nourished than those in the intensive phase (AOR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.30–6.00, p = 0.007). Poor treatment adherence also emerged as a strong predictor of under-nutrition, with affected patients showing nearly triple the risk compared to those with good adherence (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.30–6.60, p=0.009). The presence of comorbidities dramatically increased the likelihood of under-nutrition (AOR = 3.90, 95% CI: 1.80–8.50, p < 0.001).
Unique contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study finding points out the important of incorporating regular assessment of nutritional status into TB protocols. The study recommends screening for HIV and other co-morbidities early and consistently, monitoring of patients with advanced TB disease closely for nutritional decline, counseling into TB treatment plans. Finding of this study may contribute to formulation of policies to promote collaboration between TB programs, HIV programs, and nutrition services to ensure continuity of care.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Valentine Emily Rambula, Ms. Caroline Musita, Dr. George Makalliwa (PhD) , Dr. Amos Olwendo (PhD), Dr. Mwiti Peter Kirimi PhD
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