The burden of multimorbidity following tuberculosis (TB) in Uganda
Supervisors:
Dr Derek Sloan, School of Medicine (University of St Andrews)
Dr Christine Sekaggya, Infectious Diseases Institute, (Makerere University, Uganda)
Prof Peter MacPherson, School of Health & Wellbeing (University of Glasgow)
Dr Mike Kesby, School of Geography and Sustainable Development (University of St Andrews)
Summary:
Non-communicable diseases are increasing in low- and middle-income countries alongside continued high incidence of communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB). It is estimated that one quarter of the global population has been infected with TB and TB is known to have wide-reaching long-term biopsychosocial effects. While research and advocacy for individual post-TB conditions is increasing, no attention has been paid to the effect TB has on multimorbidity. As we seek to understand and reduce the burden of multimorbidity in LMICs, it is imperative that we are able to describe post-TB multimorbidity.
This project will be based at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Makerere University, Uganda. It will draw on existing strong collaborative research relationships between the University of St Andrews and IDI. Retrospective analysis of an existing database will facilitate description of prevalence and patterns of post-TB multimorbidity in Uganda. A cross-sectional study will add depth to this with a more detailed and tailored multimorbidity, mental health and frailty assessment. Structured interviews will then be done with patients and healthcare providers to interrogate challenges and potential interventions for post-TB multimorbidity.