title: Improvements in physical and mental health among HIV-infected patients treated for TB in Thailand.
abstract: We conducted a prospective, observational study of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) at public health facilities in Thailand to evaluate the impact of TB and HIV treatment on overall physical and mental health. Standardized data were collected from patients at the time of TB diagnosis, two months into TB treatment, and at completion of TB treatment. We calculated composite physical and mental health scores for patients that completed treatment, compared scores during treatment, and analyzed factors associated with improvements in these scores. Of 493 patients analyzed, 488 (99%) reported at least one physical health complaint and 210 (43%) had at least one mental health complaint at baseline. Improvement in physical health occurred in 377 (76%) and improvement in mental health occurred in 182 (37%). In a multivariable analysis, factors strongly associated with improvement in physical health were receiving TB treatment in Bangkok, age greater than 50 years, and improved mental health. Improvement in mental health was strongly associated with alleviation of physical symptoms, including bloody urine, foot pain, headache, muscle weakness, difficulty sleeping, chest pain, and dizziness.
authors.affiliation: Thailand Ministry of Public Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand.
authors.forename: Wanitchaya
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kittikraisak
authors.forename: Channawong
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Burapat
authors.forename: Sriprapa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nateniyom
authors.forename: Somsak
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Akksilp
authors.forename: Wiroj
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Mankatittham
authors.forename: Chawin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sirinak
authors.forename: Arunee
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Suphanam
authors.forename: Apiratee
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kanphukiew
authors.forename: Jay K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Varma
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents