ArticleIJTLD open2026
Early interventions reduce multimorbidity and TB disability in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Article in IJTLD open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Multimorbidity care during TB treatment: no longer if, but how.IJTLD open · 2026Article
- Cured but not healed: high burden of pulmonary disability and multimorbidity among TB survivors in India.Public health action · 2026Article
- Comprehensive care lowers multimorbidity, impairment, disability and absenteeism in people with TB.IJTLD open · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
25 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundWe provided early screening and referrals for multimorbidity and absenteeism and assessed changes in these parameters from TB treatment start to completion in health facilities across Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
methodsA cohort study in 26 health facilities within national TB programmes.
resultsFollow-up was conducted in 1,146 (77%) of 1,497 patients; assessments took a median time of 30 min (interquartile range: 24-36). Symptom prevalence declined from 96% to 9%. Comorbidities (HIV, diabetes/hyperglycaemia, hypertension/high blood pressure) remained stable, while mental health disorders/probable depression decreased from 7% to 4%. Multimorbidity fell markedly; disability (inability to walk 400 m in 6 min) decreased from 20% to 4%; and those with ≥3 multimorbidity conditions decreased from 20% to 8%. Work/school absenteeism declined from 73% to 10%. Overall, referrals for care exceeded 85%, except for silica exposure (23%), smoking (57%), and recreational drug use (46%). Within-facility referrals were nearly 100%, except for silica exposure and disability (∼35%).
conclusionEarly interventions for multimorbidity led to major reductions in symptoms, risk factors, disability, and absenteeism, advocating for integration of patient-centred care throughout the TB care pathway. This multi-country study provides a promising roadmap for progress towards achieving this goal.
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