Socio-Demographic Parameters and Effect of Nutritional Intervention on TB Patients in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Undernutrition significantly heightens the risk of TB infection progressing to active TB, mortality, and disease relapse.It also complicates the management of tuberculosis.Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence and factors influencing undernutrition among TB patients in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.Additionally, the study will evaluate the impact of nutritional intervention using ready to use functional foods. Method:The study adhered to ethical principles outlined in the Helsinki Declaration, obtaining ethical clearance and consent from the relevant centres.A systematic random sampling method was employed, resulting in a sample size of 161 patients selected using Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) across various sites.Adults aged 18 and above attending TB clinics were categorized into intervention groups A, B, and C, with group D serving as the control.Data on socio-demographic characteristics and feeding practices were collected using a structured questionnaire at both baseline and midline (month three) stages of the study. Results:The study population included 161 adults aged 18-70 years, comprising 112 males (70%) and 49 females (30%), with an average age of 36.4 ± 10.7 years.The majority affected were in the age range of 18 to 44 years (80.1%).Among the widowed individuals, females constituted 62.5%, whereas males were 37.5%.A significant portion, 89 (55.3%), identified themselves as alcohol consumers, and 101 (62.7%) reported being smokers.Initially, 107 (66%) subjects reported consuming three meals daily, increasing to 126 (85%) during the midline assessment, while those consuming two meals decreased from 35 (22%) to 17 (11%). Conclusion:Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in mean weight and BMI between baseline and midline assessments for Interventional Groups B and C, regardless of HIV status, as well as for Group A (HIV-negative individuals) (p < 0.05).However, no significant differences were observed in the control group.