Association between malnutrition and diagnosed drug susceptible tuberculosis amongst children aged zero to fifteen years old in Swaziland

Abstract

Background: In 2015, Swaziland had a tuberculosis (TB) prevalence of 733 per 100 000 population and HIV prevalence of 27.5%. Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Swaziland (BCMCFSD) reported 83% prevalence of malnutrition amongst children in 2014. No study has described the association between malnutrition and childhood TB in Swaziland. Purpose: To examine the association between malnutrition and diagnosed drug susceptible tuberculosis (TB) amongst children aged zero to fifteen years old in Swaziland. Method: The Mixed Method approach was used to conduct the study. A total of 306 children’s electronic records were extracted, then 12 children’s caregivers interviewed. Extracted data were cleaned and exported to an excel database, then analysed using STATA version 14 by a statistician. Qualitative data were analysed using NVIVO version 11 post the analysis of the quantitative data. Triangulation of quantitative and qualitative results was conducted to obtain a comprehensive picture of the study. Validity, reliability, trustworthiness and adherence to ethical considerations were maintained. Results: History of previous TB treatment, HIV status and age were strongly associated with poor TB outcome (<0.001) and severe malnutrition (<0.002). Sex, regions and TB type were statistically insignificant. Nutritional situation at home and nutritional support from the health care facility, emerged as themes. Conclusion: TB and Malnutrition are significant predictors of children mortality, thus the children caregivers need consistent health education and support.