SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND BASAL METABOLIC INDEX CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS AND THEIR TREATMENT OUTCOME IN MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL, AMRITSAR, INDIA

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis is an ancient disease associated with high degree of morbidity and mortality worldwide, more so in developing countries having overwhelming problems of poverty, poor living conditions, illiteracy, malnutrition, drug addiction. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the socio-demographic profile and BMI characteristics of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and their treatment outcome. MATERIAL & METHOD: This prospective study was conducted on 200 new sputum smear positive patients having age >15 years. OBSERVATIONS & RESULT: The present study (n=200) with 121 males and 79 female revealed that 75.8% of males and 87.5% of females were in the age group of 15-45 years, being the most productive years of life. 60.5% cases lived in overcrowded houses with inadequate ventilation (73%), poor lighting (68.5%), majority with lower socio-economic status (72.5%). 66% were from medium to large sized families, 65% joint family while 35% with nuclear families. 57.5% were working & thus were included in income generating activity group. illiteracy was observed in 40% & addiction in 47%. 69.5% of the cases were underweight (BMI < 18.5kg/m2) at initiation of treatment and percentage improved to 62.5% at the end of anti-tubercular treatment. CONCLUSION: The study findings emphasise the association of the socio-demographic profile including overcrowding, inadequate ventilation of the dwellings, illventilated kitchens, under-nutrition with poor BMI, poor level of education (illiteracy, ignorance, poor knowledge about the disease), low socio-economic status with poverty contributing as significant risk factors for tuberculosis & its spread in family & community.