Assessment of Quality of Life among Patients Attending Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Centre in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge, particularly with the emergence of Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (DRTB). Assessing the ‘quality of life’ (QoL) of DRTB patients is essential for addressing not only the medical but also the psychosocial impacts of the disease. This study aimed to assess the QoL of DRTB patients attending the DRTB centre in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and to identify socio-demographic factors that influence QoL across various domains. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 150 DRTB patients aged 15-70 years. Data were collected using the WHO-QoL BREF questionnaire, assessing four domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. Statistical analysis was performed using t-tests, ANOVA, and regression models. Results: The study found that the social domain had the highest mean score (56.20 ± 16.89), while the physical (50.74 ± 13.71) and environmental domains (50.08 ± 15.56) had the lowest scores. Age, gender, education, marital status, and socioeconomic class were significantly associated with QoL scores. Married patients, those with higher education, and individuals from higher socioeconomic classes showed better QoL. Females scored higher in social and environmental domains, while younger patients had better psychological well-being. Conclusion: Socio-demographic factors play a critical role in influencing the QoL of DRTB patients. A holistic care approach, incorporating medical, psychological, and social support, is essential to improve outcomes. Targeted interventions are needed to address the physical and environmental challenges faced by these patients.