Demographic, Residential and Nutritional Characteristics of the Patients with Tuberculosis Referred to Molahadi Sabzevari Clinic in Isfahan in 1995

Abstract

Introduction: Since bad nutrition and residential status are risk factors for tuberculosis and there have not been any researches in this field, this study can go through these risk factors. These results can enhance the education level for nursing students and provide the patients with better health services. This can also help health managers to reinforce the foundation of health education and make a good backdrop for further researches.

Methods and materials: This was a descriptive analytic survey, focusing on demographic, residential and nutritional status of the patients with tuberculosis in Isfahan in 1995. About 60 patients were randomly selected from the population studied. The data were gathered with questionnaires including three sections related to demographic, residential and nutrition status of the patients. In order to check the nutritional status of the patients more precisely, blood tests such as HB, HCT, PLT, albumin and cholesterol were checked too.

Results: The findings showed that 56.7% of the patients were female; 57.7% of the male patients and 76.5% of the female patients were lower than 50 kg in weight. In total, 68.3% of the weights of the patients were less than 50 kg. Regarding the height, 92.3% of the male patients and 17.6% of the female ones were above 160 cm showing their body mass index less than average. Most of the patients were married and average pregnancy number in women was ≥8 times. Most of the patients were housewives. The family number was 6 or more and there was no scar of tuberculosis vaccination in most patients. There was a significant association between the mean residential score with the nationality and the marital status but no significant association was seen with the family number. The mean score of taking milk products with the sex and the nationality showed a significant association while no significant association was seen between the intake of meat, fruit, vegetables, bread, cereals and sex, nationality, family number and marriage status. Total intake of fruit and vegetables was appropriate by most patients while intake of bread and cereal was average, intake of milk products was inappropriate and meat intake was much less than the standard.

Conclusion: The findings showed that most patients have average and lower residential status. Inappropriate food intake delayed patients' recovery and imposed more socioeconomic and occupational burdens on families. This shows the higher responsibility of the authorities and nurses in health centers and the necessity for more supervision. On the other hand, government should better support this group of patients.