Quality of life in Korean tuberculosis patients: A longitudinal study

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Korean tuberculosis (TB) patients and to identify factors associated with HRQoL. Design A longitudinal study design was employed with a six-month tracking period. Sample Fifty patients were enrolled from a single TB clinic. Measurements Data on physical and mental HRQoL domains, physical symptoms, self-esteem, stigma, treatment adherence and social support were collected on the day of TB diagnosis, and then again at 2- and 6-months' post-TB diagnosis. Results Mental HRQoL scores did not change over time (p = .500) although changes in the physical HRQoL significantly improved over 6 months (p < .001); these changes were small and not considered clinically meaningful. Worse physical symptoms (p < .001) but better treatment adherence (p = .006) were associated with lower physical HRQoL. Similarly, worse physical symptoms but better self-esteem (p < .001) and social support (p = .015) were associated with higher mental HRQoL. Conclusions It is important that nurses caring for TB patients understand the physical and mental impact of TB and its treatment.