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. 2022 Sep 2;7(9):224.
doi: 10.3390/tropicalmed7090224.

Health-Related Quality of Life of Tuberculosis Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Conakry, Guinea: A Mixed Methods Study

Almamy Amara Touré  1   2   3 , Aboubacar Sidiki Magassouba  2   4 , Gnoume Camara  2 , Abdoulaye Doumbouya  1 , Diao Cissé  2 , Ibrahima Barry  1 , Lansana Mady Camara  3 , Abdoul Habib Béavogui  1 , Alexandre Delamou  2   5   6 , Vanessa Veronese  6 , Corinne Simone Merle  6 , Hugues Asken Traoré  6 , Adama Marie Bangoura  4
Affiliations

Health-Related Quality of Life of Tuberculosis Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Conakry, Guinea: A Mixed Methods Study

Almamy Amara Touré et al. Trop Med Infect Dis. .

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on all facets of life and has exacerbated many challenges faced by people living with tuberculosis (TB). This study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of TB patients in Guinea during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed methods study was conducted using two validated tools to assess HRQoL and qualitative interviews among TB patients enrolled in treatment at 11 health centers in Conakry, Guinea. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the deterioration of HRQoL. We included 439 participants in the study, among whom 44% and 31% experienced pain and anxiety, respectively. We found that an increase in the number of household size and the distance from participants' residence to the health centers were significantly associated with lower HRQoL. Qualitative interviews highlighted nutritional and financial issues, which were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic and beliefs that the Guinean Government's assistance plan was insufficient. This study supports the implementation of specific relief plans for TB patients, which includes nutritional and psychological support, especially those whose movements are limited by travel restrictions, preventing access to TB care, reducing work opportunities and exacerbating financial needs and stress.

Keywords: COVID-19; Guinea; health-related quality of life; tuberculosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Hypothesized problem tree of HQoL of TB patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Guinea.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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