Improvement of Adherence Quality of Life in Tuberculosis Patients: A Pharmacist-Led Educational Counseling Study in Malaysia
Author(s)
Rabbiya Ahmad, MPhil1, Amer Hayat Khan, PhD1, Irfhan Ali Bin Hyder Ali, MBBS2, Siti Maisharah Sheikh Ghadzi, PhD1.
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia, 2Respiratory Clinic, Hospital Pulau Pinang, Penang, Malaysia.
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia, 2Respiratory Clinic, Hospital Pulau Pinang, Penang, Malaysia.
OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) substantially affects patients' physical, psychological, and social well-being; however, there is limited research on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among PTB patients in Malaysia. This study assesses the impact of pharmacist-led educational counseling on HRQoL in patients with PTB using the EQ-5D-3L instrument.
METHODS: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted at Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. A total of 206 PTB patients were randomized into control (standard Directly Observed Therapy, DOT) and intervention groups (DOT plus structured pharmacist counselling). HRQoL was assessed at baseline and 2, 4, and 6 months using the EQ-5D-3L, including mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression dimensions, along with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores. Statistical analysis employed chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact test, and multivariate regression.
RESULTS: At baseline, both groups had comparable HRQoL, but the intervention group reported higher severe pain (28.2% vs. 3.9%, p=0.01) and anxiety/depression (15.5% vs. 5.8%, p=0.3). Over time, the intervention group showed significant improvements in self-care (98.1% vs. 90.3% no problems at 6 months, p=0.03) and mobility (97.1% vs. 91.3%, p=0.05). Pain/discomfort remained higher in the intervention group (21.4% vs. 3.9% severe pain at 4 months, p=0.01). VAS scores improved significantly in the intervention group by 6 months (6.87 ± 3.1 vs. 6.56 ± 3.3, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacist-led educational intervention improved self-care and mobility in PTB patients but did not significantly alleviate pain or psychological distress. The findings highlight the need for integrated psychosocial support alongside clinical management to enhance HRQoL in PTB patients.
METHODS: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted at Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. A total of 206 PTB patients were randomized into control (standard Directly Observed Therapy, DOT) and intervention groups (DOT plus structured pharmacist counselling). HRQoL was assessed at baseline and 2, 4, and 6 months using the EQ-5D-3L, including mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression dimensions, along with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores. Statistical analysis employed chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact test, and multivariate regression.
RESULTS: At baseline, both groups had comparable HRQoL, but the intervention group reported higher severe pain (28.2% vs. 3.9%, p=0.01) and anxiety/depression (15.5% vs. 5.8%, p=0.3). Over time, the intervention group showed significant improvements in self-care (98.1% vs. 90.3% no problems at 6 months, p=0.03) and mobility (97.1% vs. 91.3%, p=0.05). Pain/discomfort remained higher in the intervention group (21.4% vs. 3.9% severe pain at 4 months, p=0.01). VAS scores improved significantly in the intervention group by 6 months (6.87 ± 3.1 vs. 6.56 ± 3.3, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacist-led educational intervention improved self-care and mobility in PTB patients but did not significantly alleviate pain or psychological distress. The findings highlight the need for integrated psychosocial support alongside clinical management to enhance HRQoL in PTB patients.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EPH139
Topic
Clinical Outcomes, Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Topic Subcategory
Public Health
Disease
Infectious Disease (non-vaccine), No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, Personalized & Precision Medicine, Respiratory-Related Disorders (Allergy, Asthma, Smoking, Other Respiratory)