Weight Gain Among Tuberculosis Patients and Its Association With Socio-demographic Profile and Disease-related Characteristics In Urban and Rural Areas of Mysuru.

Background: Tuberculosis remains a major public health burden in India, accounting for 25% of the global tuberculosis cases. Weight gain during tuberculosis treatment is a key recovery indicator influenced by sociodemographic and clinical factors. Addressing these challenges is crucial for achieving India’s Tuberculosis elimination goal by 2025. Objectives: To assess weight gain across different phases of anti tubercular therapy among tuberculosis patients in urban and rural Mysuru, and to determine its association with sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study was done using secondary data of tuberculosis patients who attended primary health care centers in urban and rural areas of Mysuru. Weight measurements were recorded at baseline, post-intensive phase and post-continuation phase of antitubercular-therapy. Sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics were collected. Statistical analysis included Friedman test to compare weight gain during different phases of antitubercular treatment, chi square test to find association of weight changes with socio-demographic and disease-related characteristics and ordinal logistic regression analysis performed to predict factors affecting weight changes. Results: Overall, patients experienced a significant change in weight during treatment, with 85.8% showing weight gain, among whom 48% gained more than 3 kg. The prevalence of weight gain was slightly higher among the rural population compared to urban, though the difference was not significant. Sociodemographic and disease characteristics, such as gender and drug sensitivity, significantly influenced the outcomes. Conclusion: Weight gain during antitubercular therapy is a significant indicator of recovery influenced by socio-demographic and disease related factors. Addressing them through targeted nutritional interventions and regular monitoring is crucial.